Objective To summarize the advancement of hereditary thrombophilia. Methods Relevant literatures about hereditary thrombophilia published recently domestic and abroad were reviewed and analyzed. Results The hereditary risk factors of venous thromboembolism were different among different races. In western population, the main risk factors were activated protein C resistance (APC-R) and mutation of factor V Leiden, methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism (C677T) and prothrombin G20210A. While in Chinese population, the disorder of protein C system and hyperhomocysteinemia were the major genetic risk factor. The existence of multiple genetic risk factors increased the incidence of primary and recurrent venous thromboembolism. Conclusion Further study on the relations between the hereditary risk factors and thrombophilia will be very important for prediction and prevention of the venous thromboembolism.