Deep-vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in your legs. A complication of DVT, pulmonary embolism, (PE) occurs when a fragment of a blood clot breaks loose from the wall of the vein and moves to the lungs, where it blocks a pulmonary artery or one of its branches.
Only about half of the people who have DVT are ever diagnosed and more people reportedly die in the United States from PE than breast cancer and AIDS combined.
Women who are pregnant, 41 years and older or either using birth control or Hormone Replacement Therapy are at higher risk. To determine whether you might be at risk, visit http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Dvt/DVT_WhatIs.html
Travelers who sit for prolonged periods of time and people whose mobility has been limited by surgery or medical conditions are also at risk. Have you ever experienced DPT? Share your story.