A deep venous thrombosis is a blood clot that forms most often in the veins of the leg and sometimes in the arms. It is often referred to as a "DVT Regardless of where the thrombosis/blood clot develops it is a serious medical condition because it may lead to a pulmonary embolism ("PE"). A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot breaks loose in the vein and travels to the lungs where it can cause respiratory failure. This often leads to death.

While anyone can develop a DVT and a pulmonary embolism, certain categories of individuals have been identified as having acquired and genetic risk factors that predispose them to the development of a DVT and hence a pulmonary embolism. Most people do not know whether they have a genetic predisposition to develop a DVT since there is normally no reason to routinely test for such genetic factors. On the other hand, certain acquired factors are readily apparent risk factors. READ MORE