What Jalen Hurts’ blood clot diagnosis can teach you about DVT

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is sidelined after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and bilateral pulmonary emboli. His diagnosis highlights an important health concern: Blood clots can affect people of all ages and activity levels, and recognizing the warning signs can help prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

What is deep vein thrombosis?

Commonly referred to as DVT, this condition is characterized by a blood clot that forms within a vein deep in the body, most often the leg. The clot limits blood flow and can cause symptoms like pain, inflammation and swelling, discoloration and warmth in the leg. Some people describe the sensation as a worsening leg cramp that doesn’t improve over time and might feel warm to the touch.

If the blood clot travels from the vein to the lungs, the situation can turn deadly quickly.

“When a blood clot becomes dislodged from its original location and winds up blocking one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, this is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). The blockage of blood flow is extremely dangerous,” explains Dr. Tejas Shah, the program director of vascular surgery at Advocate Health Care. “Some people with a pulmonary embolism may experience shortness of breath, rapid pulse, fainting and/or chest pain, while others might have no symptoms.”

Although DVT can be caused by an injury, certain risk factors make an individual more likely to be diagnosed, including being:

• Over 60 years old
• Pregnant or postpartum
• A smoker
• Obese
• A member of a family with history of blood-clotting disorders
• Stationary for long periods of time, such as on a long flight

“While not every blood clot can be prevented, there are steps people can take to lower their risk, including staying active, avoiding long periods of sitting and getting up to walk regularly during long trips,” says Dr. Shah. “It’s also important to know your personal risk factors and recognize the warning signs. If you develop concerning symptoms, particularly chest pain, shortness of breath or coughing up blood, seek medical care promptly.”

How to diagnose a blood clot

To diagnose DVT and PE, clinicians rely on blood tests, imaging and ultrasound. Treatment can involve measures such as elevation and compression socks, procedures to remove the clot and, in many cases, medication.

“We often prescribe an anticoagulant to prevent further abnormal blood clotting,” Dr. Shah says. “Because these medications can increase the risk of bleeding, patients may need to avoid activities that put them at greater risk of injury.”

If you believe you may have a blood clot and experience any abnormal symptoms or worsening discomfort, do not hesitate to get medical help.

“People often brush off some of the symptoms of DVT – especially athletes, who might think they’ve strained a muscle,” Dr. Shah says. “It’s important to check in with your doctor to rule out or treat this serious condition.”

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