Here’s what you need to know about to keep yourself and your family safe from blood clots:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “blood clots can form in the deep veins of your legs during travel because you are sitting still in a confined space for long periods of time. The longer you are immobile, the greater your risk of developing a blood clot.” If part of that blood clot breaks off and travels through the venous system, it can cause a blockage of blood flow in the lungs and lead to death.

What causes blood clots?

Dangerous blood clots usually are venous clots, which are referred to as deep venous thrombosis. A clot, or thrombus, is a group of cells and proteins that form inside a vein. When someone is injured, a blood clot forms as a way of protecting the body and healing the wound. But when blood clots form inside a blood vessel at an inappropriate time, it can prove deadly.

One in 1,000 people will have a blood clot during their lifetime.

“We know certain patients are at a higher risk for developing blood clots,” said Scott Woller, MD, co-director of the Thrombosis Clinic at Intermountain Medical Center. “Risk not only increases with age, but also in conjunction with surgeries, medical illness, pregnancy, and a family history of thrombosis.”

Why are blood clots so dangerous?

Blood clots in the veins typically occur in the legs. When they break loose, they travel through the veins to the heart, then on to the lungs, where they get stuck and block blood flow. That’s called a pulmonary embolism.

“Pulmonary embolism is dangerous,” said Dr. Woller.  “When clots in the lungs obstruct blood flow, the right side of the heart, which is weaker than the left side, can fail and cause an abnormal heart rhythm, which can lead to death.”

What are the symptoms of a blood clot and a pulmonary embolism?

The most common symptoms are:

-       Pain in the lower extremities, swelling, fullness or redness in of the skin, all of which tend to be on just one side of the leg.

-       Chest pain, pain with a deep breath, shortness of breath, inability to catch your breath, or feelings of decreased exercise tolerance..

How can you prevent a blood clot from forming?

Sitting in a vehicle or plane for long periods of time (three or more hours) can put you at greater risk of developing a deadly blood clot. Find opportunities to move around as often as possible.

On a plane, take a short walk down the aisle. During a road trip, stop occasionally to walk a few laps around the vehicle or take a walk at a rest stop. It’s also important to stay hydrated, and if you know you’re at risk of blood clots, talk with your doctor about the benefits of wearing compressive stockings.

“If you’re having surgery, be sure to share your complete medical history with your surgeon so they can tailor a plan for you to reduce your risk of developing a blood clot,” said Dr. Woller. “Individuals who have already had a blood clot should remain compliant with recommended medications and regularly meet with their physician to assure proper meds and dosing.”