Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot that can form in your legs and sometimes move to your lungs, where it could be fatal.  In fact, complications from DVT blood clots contribute to more deaths in the U.S. each year than AIDS and breast cancer combined.
 
DVT is a condition resulting from the formation of a blood clot inside a deep vein, commonly located in the calf or thigh.  DVT occurs when the blood clot either partially or completely blocks the flow of blood in the vein.  A partial list of potential factors and conditions that may increase the risk of DVT include:

• Increasing age
• Birth control pills, pregnancy, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Cancer and its treatment
• Cardiac dysfunction
• Chronic respiratory failure
• Major surgery (abdomen, pelvis, lower extremities)
• Trauma (fracture of the pelvis, hip, or leg)
• Obesity
• Prior DVT Blood Clot
• Prolonged immobility due to illness or hospitalization
• Varicose veins
• Indwelling central venous catheter      

This is a partial list of potential risk factors for DVT. The symptoms for DVT may be subtle and difficult to detect.  Only your doctor can decide whether you're at risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), or blood clots, that can form in the deep veins of your legs.  Talk to your doctor about DVT today. It's the first step toward protecting yourself against the risk of DVT.

Visit www.preventdvt.org for more information.