HOUSTON – April marks ten years since the death of NBC News Anchor David Bloom who died from a condition called Deep Vein Thrombosis while covering the start of the war in Iraq.
His widow, Melanie Bloom has since devoted her life to educating others about the condition that kills up to 300,000 Americans every year – more than AIDs and breast cancer combined.
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Bloom is now the national patient spokesperson for the coalition to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT.
Bloom told Local 2's Rachel McNeill that David, an NBC correspondent, was tucked in a tanker, where he developed a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot that traveled from his leg to his lung, killing him.
"So from mentioning sort of casually mentioning legs cramps to death was only two days, so that is why it is important to listen to your body," said Bloom.
DVT can strike almost anyone. Risk factors include being over 40, obese or sedentary. Medications can also cause a risk such as estrogen or birth control pills, or immobility if you've suffered a fracture and have been in a cast, or you've had recent surgery.
Symptoms may include pain, swelling, tenderness, discoloration or redness, and skin that is warm to the touch.
Many times, though, there are no symptoms. That is why experts say it is important to know your risk factors. DVT is treatable, but expert say time is of the essence.
To assess your DVT risk, click here.