Jalen Hurts, a player for the Philadelphia Eagles, has recently been diagnosed with blood clots, a condition that has also affected NBA stars like 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 confirmed by a source close to the situation who spoke to The Associated Press anonymously on Monday.
Hurts was placed on injured reserve after the team disclosed that he had a blood clot in his calf. Additional details about his condition were shared by the Eagles and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, revealing that he has deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, indicating that a blood clot has migrated to his lungs.
This diagnosis has brought attention to the risks and treatments associated with blood clots, prompting questions about the prevalence of this condition among athletes in recent years.
Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, refers to a blood clot forming in a deep vein, commonly in the lower extremities, which can potentially lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs. Various factors can contribute to DVT, such as immobility, trauma, family history, and dehydration.
Symptoms of DVT include swelling, discoloration, pain, or a combination of these indicators, with concerns about the clot moving through the bloodstream and causing severe complications, such as a pulmonary embolism.
Treatment for blood clots typically involves blood thinners, with the goal of preventing further clotting. Hurts is currently undergoing treatment with blood thinners and will not be cleared to resume football activities until he has completed the course.
Although the risk of blood clots in elite athletes compared to the general population remains inconclusive, experts like Richard Ricciardi from George Washington University School of Nursing suggest that athletes may face heightened risk due to sport-specific factors. While the likelihood of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism in individuals in their 20s and 30s is relatively low, certain activities like high-contact sports or prolonged air travel can potentially increase the risk.
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 health issues in recent years, underscoring the importance of awareness and proactive measures to mitigate such risks.
Overall, the incidence of blood clots among athletes serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance, prompt diagnosis, and appropriate management to safeguard their health and well-being.