Cheney medical woe shared by millions

St. Paul, Minn. — On Monday, it was announced that Vice President Dick Cheney is being treated for deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot in his left leg. When the news broke, the reports called the condition, "potentially dangerous," and said "the condition can prove fatal." It strikes some two million Americans each year, and kills about 60,000. But specialists say if treated properly, it poses only a small threat.

Air travelers have been warned about the condition for years. The vice president had just returned from a nine-day trip around the world.

Dr. Jon Hallberg provides more more perspective on DVT.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 03/06/2007, 4:48 p.m.