Deep vein thrombosis

• Fact: More than 2 million Americans suffer from deep vein thrombosis, a potentially fatal condition.
• Proportion of risk that’s in your genes: 52 percent
• What you can do: Our genetic test can help you determine if you are at above-average risk for this often-silent disease. If you are, taking some basic precautions can help lower your risk.
• Did you know? Deep vein thrombosis is sometimes referred to as “economy-class syndrome.” That’s because people who have a history of clotting, cardiovascular disease or stroke are at risk of getting blood clots in their legs during long plane flights.

In deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, blood clots form in the veins of the legs or pelvis. Sometimes the clots break loose and travel to the lungs, which can be deadly. In other cases, deep vein thrombosis resolves without treatment.

More than 60,000 Americans die every year from the complications of deep vein thrombosis.

Blood clots stem from many different factors, primarily anything that promotes sluggish blood flow. In some people, clots are a result of genetics. But environment and behavior — such as sitting for prolonged periods of time — can also play a role.

Knowing that you are at increased genetic risk can spur you to take preventive measures and to be alert to the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, which include swelling in a leg, ankle, or foot, with leg pain or redness over the affected area. In about half of all cases, however, there are no noticeable warning signs.

Clinically proven prevention measures include breaking up periods of extended inactivity by getting up and walking around. On long flights or car trips, drink plenty of fluids and move your legs around. You may also want to get a pair of TED (therapeutic elastic dressing) stockings, which are available at any good pharmacy. If you are at high risk of deep vein thrombosis, there are some medications your doctor might recommend you take before going on a long trip. And after illness or surgery, it’s always wise to get up and move around as soon as your doctor recommends it. Not only will that reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis, it can also reduce discomfort and speed recovery.