HHS HealthBeat (September 24, 2008)

Killer clot

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

A blood clot that starts in a deep vein, like you have in your legs, can break loose, travel to your lungs, block an artery, and maybe kill you.

The clot is called a deep vein thrombosis. When it reaches a lung, it can be a pulmonary embolism. And they contribute to about 100,000 deaths a year.

Too few people know about that, so Acting Surgeon Steven Galson has issued The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism.

Dr. Galson says ways to reduce risk include regular checkups, taking all the medicines your doctor prescribes, and staying active instead of sitting for hours on end.

``We’re not talking about Olympic-level athleticism here; we’re talking about taking a walk, a run, a bike – anything that promotes physical activity.’’ (9 seconds)

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: September, 24 2008