Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)
A deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot, known as a thrombus, in the deep leg vein. It is a serious condition that can cause damage to the leg or cause a life threatening pulmonary embolism (blood clot to the lung). When the circulation of the blood slows down due to illness, injury or inactivity, blood can accumulate or “pool” which provides an ideal setting for clot formation.You are at risk if you have one or more of the following:
1) limb trauma or other orthopedic injuries;
2) recent surgery, immobilized or on bed rest, or sitting for prolonged periods;
3) obesity;
4) over 40 years of age;
5) a previous history of DVT or a family history of DVT;
6) on hormone therapy or oral contraceptives (birth control);
7) coagulation abnormalities; and 8) pregnant or recently gave birth.
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVT