Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein that is deep inside the body. DVT mainly affects the veins in the lower leg and thigh. DVT can interfere with blood flow, and it may break off and travel through the bloodstream, resulting in a pulmonary embolism (PE). Risks for DVT include:

• Prolonged sitting (being bedridden)

• Recent surgery (especially hip, knee or female reproductive organ surgery)

• Fractures

• Childbirth within the last 6 months

• Use of medications such as estrogen and birth control pills

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage or clot in the lung artery, and is caused by a DVT that has dislodged and traveled through the bloodstream to the lung. Pulmonary embolism is a serious condition that can cause:

• Permanent damage to the affected lung

• Low oxygen levels in the blood

• Damage to other organs in the body from not getting enough oxygen

If a clot is large, or if there are many clots, pulmonary embolism can cause death.