Between 60,000 to 100,000 people die every year of a deadly medical condition known as deep vein thrombosis. 

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms and lodges deep in a vein, typically inside the calf or thigh muscle. These clots can break off and make their way through the bloodstream to the lungs, which results in a pulmonary embolism. For anyone with even the most limited medical knowledge, these frightening buzzwords should sound the alarm. 

Considering that sudden death is the first symptom for 25 percent of the people who suffer from pulmonary embolisms linked to DVT, there definitely is cause for alarm.   

What are the symptoms of DVT? 

Thankfully, DVT isn't always fatal, but it can be if you procrastinate about having it checked. It is one condition that shouldn't be taken lightly. Should a clot break off, it can be a disaster for the lungs and the rest of your body. Pulmonary embolisms prevent the lungs from supplying the body with the oxygen it needs. 

There are ways to determine if the body is raising the red flag. The following symptoms are enough to warrant an immediate trip to the physician: 

• pain or tenderness while standing or walking;
• red and/or warm skin of the affected region;
• visible veins; and
• fatigue, especially in the leg. 

Even without a DVT, pulmonary embolisms can rear their ugly heads. Signs of a PE include: 

• difficulty breathing;
• faster than normal or irregular heartbeat;
• chest pain or discomfort that usually worsens with a deep breath or coughing;
• anxiety;
• coughing up blood; and
• very low blood pressure, lightheadedness or fainting. 
  

What are the chances of getting DVT? 

Not sure if you are prone to DVT? Consider this. Common risk factors for developing DVT are age (older than 60), obesity, smoking and prolonged sitting. Of course, it's not unheard of for someone to be young, smoke-free, of average weight with an active lifestyle – and still be susceptible to DVT.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, other factors that could increase the risk of DVT include: 

• major surgery;
• recent injury;
• pregnancy;
• birth control pills;
• increased estrogen;
• heart disease;
• cancer;
• previous DVT; and
• immobility (long plane rides, car rides, hospital stays). 
  

It's Not a Certainty, Just a Possibility 

Just because some of the symptoms are present doesn't mean it's definitely DVT. The first step is getting a diagnosis. 

Visit a doctor right away to discuss everything from overall health to your detailed medical history. The doctor might perform a physical exam and may even order a duplex ultrasound, a procedure designed to produce images of blood vessels via high-frequency sound waves bouncing off inside the body. 

The physician also may order a venography, a type of test that acts as a special X-ray to see the anatomy of the veins. During this procedure, a doctor injects a radioactive dye into the vein, making it more visible on the x-ray. This allows the doctor or radiologist to view the veins and possibly even identify a clot. 

These tests don't come without added risk. Experts have found that the test potentially can increase the chance for more blood clotting. Weigh the risks versus the benefits with the doctor. 

Preventing DVT Starts with A-C-T-I-V-I-T-Y 

Although you may not have DVT now, that doesn't mean you're completely in the clear. It's important to remain diligent. Keep risks at bay by following a healthy lifestyle. 

Those individuals who have recently undergone surgery should stay aware. Statistics have shown that certain procedures can increase the risk of DVT following the operation. Talk to the doctor about the dangers and learn how to reduce the chances of developing a blood clot. A physician might recommend moving around as much as possible during recovery or wearing compression stockings. 

Take frequent walks. Exercise. Travel. Dance. Anything that gets your body moving helps decrease the risk of DVT. 

Getting up and walking around every couple of hours or so reduces your risk. Even if you're supposed to sit at your job (which many people do), you still can exercise your muscles. Raise and lower your heels constantly. Keep everything moving. 

If you're taking a plane ride, move your legs regularly and try to get up to use the bathroom or walk around the cabin if the flight crew allows it. And if you're taking a long car ride, stop regularly to stretch your legs and walk around. If you're a passenger in a long car ride, move your legs by raising your calf muscles up and down. 

Additionally, loosely fitting clothing is beneficial when it comes to circulation. The better the circulation, the less of a chance of developing DVT. Also avoid alcohol and caffeine, which contribute to dehydration. Increase your water intake. Dehydration causes the blood to thicken, which heightens the risk of developing DVT. 

Talk to your doctor about graduated compression stockings. They're often referred to as medical compression stockings. Like socks, they are worn daily. These stockings improve circulation. If your lifestyle is primarily sedentary, you run the risk of decreasing your circulation, which could increase the risk for clots.