Raeeda Gheewala: VTE in Athletes – Risks Beyond the Playing Field
Raeeda Gheewala, Founder/CEO Sports Kidney Consulting, shared a post on LinkedIn.
“Jalen Hurts has reportedly been diagnosed with blood clots in his leg and both lungs.
But the bigger questions are: Why did this happen? Could it happen again?
The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback reportedly sustained a calf injury after being struck by another player’s cleat. He later developed a superficial blood clot while in London, continued playing, and traveled back to the U.S.
Subsequent evaluations reportedly revealed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and bilateral pulmonary emboli (PE) – a potentially life-threatening condition.
He is reportedly stable and receiving treatment with blood thinners.
As a physician, here’s what I want athletes and their families to understand:
1. Why do blood clots happen?
Trauma, prolonged immobility during travel, and underlying clotting conditions can increase risk. Identifying the cause is essential.
2. Can they happen again?
Yes. Recurrence is possible, and understanding the initial cause helps determine future risk.
3. How long is treatment?
Anticoagulation typically lasts at least three months, depending on the circumstances and individual risk factors.
4. Can athletes return to contact sports?
Contact sports are generally avoided while taking blood thinners due to the increased risk of serious bleeding. Returning to play requires medical clearance.
The takeaway?
Even elite athletes are not immune to serious medical conditions. Recognizing warning signs, understanding risk factors, and receiving timely treatment are critical for both recovery and long-term health.
Wishing Jalen Hurts a safe and complete recovery!
Peak Performance. Peak Health.”
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