Jalen Hurts Sidelined by Dangerous Blood Clots

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and bilateral pulmonary emboli (PE), conditions involving dangerous blood clots in his leg veins and lungs, the team announced Monday.

Due to the diagnosis, Hurts will be receiving blood thinners and is prohibited from playing football while undergoing treatment. The team and Hurts' agent, Nicole Lynn, released a joint statement indicating a positive prognosis and expectation of a full recovery. They anticipate he will be able to resume football activities once he is no longer on blood thinners.

Doctors initially identified a superficial vein thrombosis in Hurts' left calf prior to the Eagles' Week 5 game in London. Subsequent testing revealed the extent of the condition.

The statement also noted that Hurts, a three-time Pro Bowler, will remain active with the team and continue conditioning. No long-term effects from the condition are expected.

Understanding Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels from elsewhere in the body to the lungs, obstructing normal blood flow. These clots often originate as deep vein thrombosis, typically in the leg or pelvis. Once dislodged, the clot travels through the bloodstream until it becomes lodged in a lung blood vessel, preventing blood circulation. According to experts, PE contributes to at least 100,000 deaths annually in the U.S.

Symptoms and Risk Factors

Symptoms of PE can manifest suddenly and range from mild to severe, including sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing, sudden or resting shortness of breath, rapid breathing and heart rate, coughing (sometimes with blood), wheezing, dizziness, fainting, and pale or bluish skin.

A clot that has not yet reached the lungs may also cause leg pain, swelling, and warmth. Approximately 50% of DVT and PE cases occur after surgery or hospitalization, often linked to prolonged immobility that causes blood to pool.

Risk factors for PE include major surgeries, especially on the hips or legs, extended bed rest, and hospital stays exceeding three days, all of which slow blood circulation. Prolonged sitting, such as during desk work or long travel, can also impede blood flow in the legs.

Other significant risk factors include inherited blood clotting disorders, pregnancy and the postpartum period, certain hormone-based medications like birth control or hormone replacement therapy, active cancer and its treatments, and chronic illnesses such as autoimmune conditions or severe COVID-19.

Treatment for Pulmonary Embolism

Treatment for PE aims to dissolve existing blood clots and prevent new ones from forming. This typically requires a hospital stay for close monitoring.

Anticoagulants, commonly known as blood thinners, are usually the first line of treatment. These can be administered orally or intravenously to prevent the clot from growing and reduce the risk of new clots. In more severe cases or when anticoagulants are insufficient, treatments like thrombolysis (using medications to dissolve the clot) or embolectomy (physically removing the clot) may be employed.

For patients unable to take blood thinners, an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter might be surgically placed in a large vein in the abdomen to catch clots before they reach the lungs. However, a filter is not always necessary and its use is determined by a healthcare provider.