Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts' blood clotting issue is raising questions about the condition.
In a statement shared on Oct. 19, Hurts' agent Nicole Lynn said the football player was diagnosed with bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning the quarterback has blood clots in both lungs. Lynn said he is in stable condition, and his treatment will consist of taking blood thinners. As a result, he will be unable to participate in contact activities.
"Jalen's prognosis is very good, and we expect a full recovery," Lynn wrote in the statement. "We anticipate that he will have the opportunity to resume contact football activities when off the blood thinners."
Here's what to know.
What are blood clots?
Blood clots are "semisolid or gel-like masses that form in your arteries and veins" that help control bleeding, Cleveland Clinic explains. They can also cause serious medical issues, the clinic adds, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and heart attack.
A pulmonary embolism is "a blood clot that blocks and stops blood flow to an artery in the lung," according to Mayo Clinic. In medical terminology, "bilateral" means affecting both sides of the body or both of a pair of organs.
So, in Hurts' case, "bilateral pulmonary emboli" means the quarterback has blood clots affecting both lungs.
A pulmonary embolism can happen when a blood clot in the veins of your leg, pelvis or other body part travels through your bloodstream to your lungs, leading to a sudden blockage, the Cleveland Clinic adds.
Hurts was initially diagnosed with a superficial blood clot in his left calf, his team announced Oct. 15.
How common are pulmonary embolisms?
Pulmonary embolisms are common, according to Cleveland Clinic, with experts estimating they lead to "at least 100,000 deaths per year in the U.S."
Seeking immediate medical care is important if you think you have a pulmonary embolism, as "quick treatment can save your life," the clinic adds.
As in Hurts' case, blood thinner medication is the most common treatment. This is used to get rid of the clot and prevent new ones from forming.
"In severe cases, you may have a procedure or surgery," the Cleveland Clinic explained, adding medication may also be needed for months or years to prevent future clots.
Traveling and blood clots
The Mayo Clinic says the risk of blood clots developing while traveling is "low but increases as long-haul travel increases."
To help prevent blood clots during travel, a provider may suggest staying hydrated, wearing support stockings, moving in your seat and taking a break from sitting, according to the clinic.
Contributing: Jack McKessy, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jalen Hurts and what to know about blood clots