Prolonged sitting must be avoided. Although most blood clots in the leg dissolve on their own, complications may occur and can be life-threatening. The most dangerous complication is called pulmonary embolism. In pulmonary embolism, a blood clot moves into the lung and lodges there. It often cuts off circulation, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood and decreasing the amount of oxygen available to the rest of the body.
Pulmonary embolism requires immediate medical care.
It can occur with no warning whatsoever, but being aware of possible leg symptoms can be a great help in prevention. The best way to protect yourself from pulmonary embolism is to keep it from happening. And that involves getting up and moving around during long trips and following your doctor's advice if you are recovering from illness or taking drugs. Words that might be confusing Your doctor might use some of these terms when discussing deep vein thrombosis. This information is not a substitute for medical treatment.