Blood Clots

Blood clots include deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), which are serious, but preventable medical conditions. DVT is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but it can occur in other places, like the arm. If a DVT breaks off and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, it causes a PE, which is a blockage of arteries in the lungs. Together, DVT and PE are known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). It is important to know about VTE because it can happen to anybody and can cause serious illness, disability, and even death. Many VTE events are preventable and if found early, can be treated.

Prevention Tips

Move around as soon as possible after having been confined to a bed, such as after surgery, illness, or injury.
If you are at risk for blood clots, talk with your doctor about specific ways you can prevent them from occurring. Compression devices (like compression stockings) and medication (anticoagulants) are two ways to prevent DVT.
When sitting for long periods of time, such as when traveling for more than four hours, get up and walk around every 2 to 3 hours, exercise your legs while you are sitting, and wear loose-fitting clothes.
You can reduce your risk for blood clots by maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. In other words, exercise improves blood flow, so don't be a couch potato.
It's especially important to know your risk for blood clots and follow your doctor's recommendations based on your individual risk factors.

More at CDC.gov