Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will miss the rest of the season after blood clots were found in his lungs and leg.
He has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and bilateral pulmonary emboli.
Hurts’ diagnosis highlights the seriousness of blood clots that develop in the deep veins and travel to the lungs. Pulmonary embolisms can be life-threatening and require prompt medical attention, while treatment with anticoagulants can help prevent clots from growing and new clots from forming.
GW experts can discuss:
The difference between deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and how clots travel from the legs to the lungs.
Potential risk factors for blood clots, including injury, immobility and prolonged travel.
Symptoms and warning signs that warrant immediate medical attention.
How blood thinners work and why they can prevent athletes from safely participating in contact sports.
What recovery and return-to-play decisions may involve following a pulmonary embolism.
If you would like to schedule an interview, please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum, katelyn.deckelbaum@gwu.edu.
Richard Ricciardi is associate dean for Clinical Practice and Community Engagement in the GW School of Nursing and the executive director for the Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement.
Katrina Hawkins is associate professor of anesthesiology and critical care Medicine at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences.
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