Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a deep vein. DVT predominantly occurs in the legs. When symptoms are present, they can include pain and tenderness, swelling, warmth, redness or discoloration, and distention of surface veins The most serious complication is a pulmonary embolism, which may be life-threatening, the result of a thrombus detaching (embolizing) and traveling to the lungs.

• Some tips to help prevent experiencing a DVT include: Maintaining an active lifestyle and exercise regularly.

• Watch your weight with exercise and by eating a healthy diet.

• If you smoke, quit!!

• Get your blood pressure checked regularly; take steps to lower it, if necessary.

• If you are on an airplane for more than 4 hours, either walk or do leg stretches in your seat and also stay well-hydrated and avoid alcohol consumption.

• Wear a sleeve-like compression device on your legs while traveling to compress your legs and keep blood flowing through your veins.

• Avoid wearing short, tight socks or crossing your legs for long periods.

• When traveling by car, stop every hour to walk around.