deep vein thrombosis

A blood clot (thrombos) in a vein deep within the muscle, typically in the thigh or calf. It is caused by disease or the lack of activity such as sitting for hours at a computer screen. If part of the thrombos breaks off, it becomes an embolism, which can travel through the heart and block the arteries to the lungs. Prevention of this condition is less sitting and more walking. For more information, visit www.dvt.net. See medical conditions.