Jalen Hurts, a player for the Philadelphia Eagles, has been diagnosed with blood clots, joining other athletes such as Victor Wembanyama, Chris Bosh, and Damian Lillard. Due to blood clots in his lungs, Hurts is expected to sit out the remainder of the season, as per a source familiar with the matter. The diagnosis revealed that Hurts has deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, indicating that a blood clot has migrated to his lungs.
This situation has shed light on the condition, its associated risks, and treatments, prompting discussions on the prevalence of blood clots among athletes in recent times. Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, refers to the formation of blood clots in deep veins, commonly in the lower legs, which can potentially lead to life-threatening pulmonary embolisms if the clots dislodge and travel to the lungs.
Symptoms of DVT include unexplained swelling, discoloration, or pain, with the main concern being the clot moving through the bloodstream, potentially causing severe complications. Treatment typically involves the use of blood thinners, with the current course of treatment for Hurts also incorporating this approach, restricting his participation in football activities until he is off the medication.
While there is no concrete evidence suggesting that elite athletes are more predisposed to blood clots compared to the general population, sports-specific risk factors may elevate the risk for athletes. High-contact sports, in particular, could increase the risk of blood clots due to potential collision and trauma-induced injuries. The likelihood of individuals in their 20s and 30s developing DVT or pulmonary embolisms stands at one in 10,000.
Frequent long-haul air travel is believed to raise the risk of blood clots among elite athletes, especially during flights lasting eight hours or more. However, the risk remains low for healthy individuals, with additional health factors intensifying the risk. The CDC highlights that prolonged sitting during travel can contribute to blood clot formation in deep leg veins.
Several notable athletes, including Victor Wembanyama, Damian Lillard, Chris Bosh, Ausar Thompson, Nelly Korda, Frederik Andersen, Merrill Kelly, and Christian Barmore, have encountered blood clot-related issues in their careers, showcasing the importance of awareness and management of such conditions in the athletic community.
