CMC Vascular Doctor Weighs In on Jalen Hurts’ Blood Clots

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He’s a Super Bowl champion and a healthy 28-year-old athlete. Yet Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is out for the rest of the season. The reason? Blood clots.

It started with a clot in his calf. Then, it traveled to both of his lungs.

His story is a powerful reminder that blood clots can happen to anyone. Here, a vascular surgeon at Conway Medical Center explains what happened, what warning signs to watch for, and why you should never ignore them.

Leg pain or swelling that won’t go away? The board-certified vascular surgeons at CMC Vascular diagnose and treat blood clots close to home. Call (843) 234-8600. 

From a Calf Injury to Clots in Both Lungs

According to the Eagles and news reports, here’s how it unfolded:

  • October 4: Hurts took a cleat to his left calf during a game against the Los Angeles Rams.
  • In London: Before playing the Jacksonville Jaguars, an ultrasound found a superficial blood clot in his calf. This type of clot forms in a vein close to the skin. Doctors cleared him to play.
  • Back home: A follow-up ultrasound showed the clot had moved.
  • October 19: The Eagles announced further testing found deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots in both lungs, called bilateral pulmonary emboli.

The good news? The team says Hurts is stable and expected to make a full recovery. However, he’ll be on blood thinners for months and can’t play contact sports while taking them.

Why Blood Clots in the Legs Are Serious

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in one of the deep veins of the body, usually in the leg. On its own, it can cause pain and swelling. The bigger danger is what happens if part of the clot breaks loose.

“If the blood clot extends or basically goes to the lung, it can cause a pulmonary embolism,” Dr. Ana Paula Morales Allende, a vascular surgeon at CMC Vascular, explained. “A pulmonary embolism (PE) blocks blood flow in the lungs. It can be life-threatening, so knowing the signs matters.”

Signs of a Blood Clot in the Leg

According to Mayo Clinic, watch for:

  • Swelling in the affected extremity
  • Pain, cramping, or soreness that often starts in the calf
  • Red or purple skin on the leg
  • Warmth in the affected area

However, some clots cause no noticeable symptoms at all (DELETE). If you notice these signs, call your doctor.

Signs of a Pulmonary Embolism: Call 911

“Some of the signs for that are shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing or even increased heart rate,” Dr. Morales Allende said.

Other warning signs include dizziness, fainting, and coughing up blood. Chest pain may get worse when you take a deep breath or cough. If you notice any of these symptoms, get emergency help right away.

Who’s at Risk?

Blood clots aren’t just a concern for older adults. As Hurts’ case shows, even elite athletes can get them. Common risk factors include:

  • Injury or surgery: Trauma to the affected extremity.
  • Long periods of sitting: Long flights and car rides slow blood flow in the legs.
  • Bed rest: Recovering from surgery or illness can keep you immobile and susceptible.
  • Other factors: Age over 60, smoking, extra weight, pregnancy, hormone therapy, cancer, and a family history of clots.

“Definitely, long periods of travel and immobility put you at a higher risk for pulmonary embolism,” Dr. Morales Allende said.

Traveling soon? Get up and walk every hour or so when you can. If you’re stuck in your seat, raise and lower your heels and toes to keep blood moving.

How CMC Vascular Can Help

When it comes to blood clots, a quick diagnosis can make all the difference. At CMC Vascular, board-certified vascular surgeons diagnose and treat blood clots and other vein conditions right here in Conway.

Here’s what patients can expect:

  • On-site testing: Vascular ultrasound and imaging
  • A clear plan: Treatment that starts with the most conservative approach that fits your condition
  • Team care: Close coordination with your primary care provider and CMC’s cardiology team

Dr. Morales Allende completed her vascular surgery residency at Montefiore Medical Center. She treats venous disease, peripheral arterial disease, aneurysms, and more. CMC Vascular also performed the area’s first complex limb-salvage bypass.

Don’t ignore leg pain or swelling. Ask your primary care provider for a referral to CMC Vascular, then call (843) 234-8600 to schedule. If you have sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, call 911.

If a healthy, 28-year-old professional athlete can develop blood clots, anyone can. The good news is that clots are treatable, especially when they’re caught early. So pay attention to your legs, move often when you travel, and don’t brush off pain or swelling. When something doesn’t feel right, the vascular team at CMC is here to help.

Key Takeaways

  • Jalen Hurts’ calf injury led to a blood clot that later traveled to both lungs.
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg.
  • Signs of a leg clot include swelling, pain, warmth, and skin discoloration.
  • A pulmonary embolism can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, and a fast heart rate. Call 911 right away.
  • Injury, surgery, long trips, and long periods of immobility increase your risk.
  • CMC Vascular’s board-certified surgeons diagnose and treat blood clots close to home, with on-site ultrasound and imaging.

The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.
Sources
  • Mayo Clinic, “Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Symptoms and Causes,” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352557

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