Deep vein thrombosis is a circulatory disease that occurs most commonly in people who have had little exercise or limited movement for extended periods.

DVT is a condition in which a blood clot or thrombus forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body. These blot clots commonly form in the legs.

DVT can develop during long car or plane rides where people sit still for extended periods of time.

DVT is a serious condition that can take months to go away even with treatment. Treatment can greatly reduce the risk that a clot will become larger or break loose and travel to the lungs and possibly block a lung artery.  This is an often a fatal condition known as a pulmonary embolism.

It's estimated that about 350,000 Americans are affected by DVT or pulmonary embolism, it's main complication each year.

Early detection and understanding of the signs and symptoms of both DVT and it's primary complication pulmonary embolism can contribute greatly to reducing time to recognition. Once deep vein thrombosis has been diagnosed, aggressive treatment can reduce it's impact and save lives.

Keep in mind that DVT occurs when muscles of the legs are inactive, allowing blood to collect in the lower extremities. In fact, people may be putting themselves at risk by simply sitting at a desk, in a car, or even relaxing on a plane ride while traveling.

If we can increase awareness and understanding of both deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism we are taking a big step in the right direction.