Background The most recent guideline on acute pulmonary embolism (PE) indicates possible long-term sequelae such as dyspnoea and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension after a PE event. However, effects on lung function or asthma risk have not been evaluated in the general population.

Methods We tested whether individuals with a venous thromboembolism (VTE) encompassing PE and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) have reduced lung function, or greater risks of dyspnoea and asthma using data from 102 792 adults from the Copenhagen General Population Study. Diagnoses of PE, DVT and asthma were collected from the national Danish Patient Registry. Factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A gene variants were determined using TaqMan assays.

Results Prevalences of PE, DVT and VTE were 2.2%, 3.6% and 5.2%, respectively. Individuals with VTE had forced expiratory volume in 1 s of 92% predicted compared with 96% pred in individuals without VTE (p<0.001). Individuals with VTE versus those without had adjusted OR (95% CI) for light, moderate and severe dyspnoea of 1.4 (1.2–1.6), 1.6 (1.4–1.8) and 1.7 (1.5–1.9), respectively. Individuals with VTE versus those without had an adjusted OR for asthma of 1.6 (95% CI 1.4–1.8). Factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A genotype also associated with increased risk of asthma (p for trend=0.002). Population-attributable fractions of severe dyspnoea and asthma due to VTE were 3.5% and 3.0%, respectively, in the population.

Conclusion Individuals with VTE have worse lung function and higher risks of severe dyspnoea and asthma, and may account for 3.5% and 3.0% of people with severe dyspnoea and asthma, respectively, in the general population.