WASHINGTON – Blood clots called deep vein thromboses may affect up to 600,000 Americans a year but they can be easily prevented and treated, the U.S. Surgeon General's office said Monday.

The Surgeon General and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality released a report and guide aimed at helping people identify and improve the often-deadly clots.

The guide includes estimates that between 350,000 and 600,000 Americans have such a blood clot each year.

“These timely, easy-to-read guides provide valuable information on preventing and treating dangerous blood clots,” said acting Surgeon General Dr. Steven Galson said in a statement.

People who have a high risk for these clots include those who have had surgery recently, are over 65, take birth control pills, have cancer, have had a bad bruise or a broken bone or who have been immobile during long trips.

Symptoms include new swelling, skin redness, soreness or a warm spot on the arm or leg, breathing difficulties, chest pain, a strange cough or fast heartbeat.

Those at risk are advised to wear loose-fitting clothes, to raise their legs up above heart level from time to time, exercise, wear compression stockings and cut down on salt.

(Reporting by Maggie Fox, editing by Jackie Frank)