Atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are the two most common medical illness managed with anti-coagulation therapy. Not all the patients with decreased mobility or AF have a similar risk for thromboembolism. The risk factors for venous thromboembolism and thromboembolism associated with AF are described in various studies. The present review is focused at similarities in the pathophysiology and the comparison of the clinical risk factors contributing to development of thromboembolism in the two conditions. We will also be discussing the value of CHADS-VASc score for risk assessment of VTE.