Usually the clot travels from elsewhere in the body – often from the legs. Cancer, prolonged bed rest or lack of movement can all increase the risks of PE. The condition is often treated with anticoagulants and sometimes surgery. Fortunately, Williams was diagnosed and treated, and she is now reportedly at home recuperating.

When you are traveling or recovering from surgery, remember the risks of developing blood clots in the legs, which can result in PE. Take preventive steps if you will be sitting for a long time. According to the Mayo clinic, preventive steps include:

• Taking a walk.
• Exercising while you sit.
• Drinking lots of fluids.
• Wearing compression stockings.

Compression stockings, or support stockings, help prevent PE by steadily squeezing your legs, promoting the circulation of blood. The gentle, graduated pressure of support stockings helps your veins and leg muscles move blood more efficiently. Compression stockings help tired legs and are a good idea for anyone to wear when movement will be limited.

Compression stockings put graduated pressure on the legs to help increase circulation and venous return. The compression socks and stockings are graduated in compression, which means that the amount of pressure applied by the stocking to your leg at your ankles is the greatest, and then becomes lighter as you move up the leg. Compression stockings usually apply 100% of their strength at the ankle, about 70% of their strength at the calf, and 30% of their strength at the thigh. These strengths and percentages vary depending on the level of compression and manufacturer.

Compression stockings come in different levels of compression (15-20 mmHg, 20-30 mmHg, 30-40 mmHg, etc). The stocking will support your legs more or less depending on the level of compression. The various levels of compression are used for different symptoms and leg health issues.