Following the announcement of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts’ blood clots, the Courier-Post spoke with a local medical expert to learn what his diagnosis means.
Hurts has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. This diagnosis has sidelined Hurts for the remainder of the season.
Virtua Health pulmonologist Dr. Dominic Valentino shared what these clots are and what treatment can look like. Valentino is not Hurts’ physician and has no direct connection to his treatment.
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What is deep vein thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms inside a deep vein, usually in the arms or legs.
Deep veins differ from surface veins due to their location, though blood clots can form in either type of vein, according to Valentino.
Valentino shared that clots commonly form after a recent surgery or physical trauma. In some cases, clots can form when a limb is stable for a long period of time.
What are bilateral pulmonary emboli?
Bilaterial pulmonary emboli are blood clots in both lungs.
Typically, pulmonary emboli come from blood clots in other parts of the body that travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, Valentino explained.
Are blood clots common?
Valentino noted that blood clots are not rare, but their formation can depend on age and situation.
“As you get older, there’s different risks that are thrown in,” Valentino said. “If you have acquired conditions that cause a higher chance of your blood clotting under normal situations, you would be potentially increasing your risk.”
Cancer, certain autoimmune conditions and certain surgeries can increase the risk of developing blood clots.
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Blood clot treatments
According to Valentino, blood thinners are a common treatment for blood clots, as they prevent new clots from forming and stop current clots from becoming larger. Blood thinners additionally help the body break up and dissolve existing clots.
Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, shared online that Hurts has been prescribed blood thinners.
In some cases, surgery may be needed if the vein is obstructed. An obstructed vein can cause extensive swelling and pain.
“More times than not though, it’s not operated on in the limbs,” Valentino explained. “But when it gets to the lungs, it really depends upon the clot size and position, and the burden.”
If the clots are causing elevated blood pressure in the lungs, a clot extraction will be performed using a catheter.
Lynn made no mention of potential surgery.
Valentino shared that deep vein thrombosis and bilaterial pulmonary emboli are usually treated for a minimum of three months, although it can be longer depending on the circumstances and whether there is strain on the heart.
If blood clots are not treated, they can move, cause more clots and serious discomfort. Pulmonary emboli can, in the most severe cases, cause the heart to stop.
“It’s definitely a potentially deadly situation if a pulmonary embolism is large enough and goes untreated,” Valentino said.
Hurts is expected to make a full recovery, Lynn shared.
“Jalen's prognosis is very good, and we expect a full recovery,” Lynn’s post read. “We anticipate that he will have the opportunity to resume contact football activities when off the blood thinners. In the meantime, he will remain active around the team and continue to condition.
“We are thinking of Jalen and looking forward to a strong recovery.”
Risha Inaganti writes about trending topics across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and Daily Journal. If you have a story she should tell, email her at rinaganti@usatodayco.com. Subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Local doctor explains Jalen Hurts' blood clots, possible treatments