Gap in clot risk knowledge?

From the United Press International:

One out of three U.S. hospital patients is at risk for dangerous blood clots, but far fewer actually receive treatments to prevent the potentially life-threatening condition, according to a study released this week.

"Blood clots are the most common preventable cause of death in hospital patients. It is profound and puzzling: Why is there a preventable issue that people are dying from?" Frederick Anderson, a research professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and director of the Center for Outcomes Research, told United Press International.

Deep venous thromboembolism, a blood clot in the deep vein of a leg or arm, can occur when people are immobilized for two or three days, such as after surgery. The condition is treatable but if ignored, may become deadly if the blood clot travels to the lung.

It is estimated that 5 percent to 10 percent of hospital deaths are due to blood clots that travel to the lungs, also called a pulmonary embolism.

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