Melanie Bloom's husband, NBC reporter David Bloom, died of deep-vein thrombosis while covering the war in Iraq. Now she's coming to the University of Utah Tuesday to address a seminar on the condition at 2 p.m. at the U. School of Medicine, Classroom D, on the fourth floor. The public is invited.

She'll be joined by Dr. Robert Pendleton, director of University Health Care Thrombosis Services.

DVT is a common and serious health problem in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in the deep veins, usually in the lower leg or thigh. Complications occur when the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, resulting in pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition.

DVT affects up to 2 million Americans each year. While the disease is preventable, approximately 600,000 people are hospitalized each year with DVT.

University Health Care's Thrombosis Services has more than 30 physicians, pharmacists, nurses and support staff who provide care to patients with blood clots or who are at risk for clotting problems. To learn more about DVT or the Coalition to Prevent Deep-Vein Thrombosis, visit www.preventdvt.org.