Jalen Hurts blood clots prompt warnings from Little Rock doctor

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will miss the rest of the season after doctors found blood clots. The diagnosis raised concerns in Little Rock, where a medical specialist explained the serious risks of deep vein thrombosis. Doctors said the condition can affect anyone, including professional athletes.

Hurts had a superficial clot in his left calf before an Oct. 11 game in London. Medical professionals cleared him to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Additional testing later revealed bilateral pulmonary emboli and deep vein thrombosis.

The Eagles and agent Nicole Lynn announced Monday that Hurts is clinically stable. His treatment includes blood thinners. He cannot participate in contact sports on that medication.

Dr. Venkat Kalapatapu is the chief of vascular surgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He explained that a clot can form in a deep vein of an arm or leg. Kalapatapu has not reviewed the medical records of Hurts.

“The risk, especially when it’s untreated, the clot can break off, or the thrombus as we call it can break off or embolize, or move or travel to the heart and then the lungs and that can become a problem,” Kalapatapu said.

A pulmonary embolism can become life-threatening if it blocks blood flow through the lungs. Superficial clots carry lower risks. About 10% of superficial clots extend into deep veins, according to Kalapatapu.

The Eagles previously reported Hurts suffered a calf injury on Oct. 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. A cleat caused that injury. A flight to London could also have been a risk factor.

“When you’re travelling more than an hour or two, there is certainly a risk that this blood clot can travel into the deep system or the deep vein and then move onto the heart or lungs,” Kalapatapu said.

Damage to vessels, reduced flow and medical conditions cause clots, according to Kalapatapu. Risk factors include hospital stays, travel, cancer, pregnancy and inherited disorders. Varicose veins are common causes of superficial clots in Arkansas.

Pulmonary embolisms can develop with few or no warning signs. Symptoms include chest pain and breathing difficulty. Leg clots can cause pain, swelling and tenderness.

“Sudden onset pain in the chest or shortness of breath or breathing difficulty, those are symptoms of pulmonary embolism, especially if you have history of blood clot in the legs that increases the suspicion,” Kalapatapu said.

Walking around during travel helps blood circulation. Compression stockings can also help high-risk travelers. Clot treatments typically require blood thinners for three to six months.

“Especially if you’re on blood thinners and you’re playing during a contact sport then your risk of bleeding during that, whether you get hit on the head there could be risk of brain bleed,” Kalapatapu said.

Kalapatapu believes Hurts is unlikely to play again this season. Return depends on vein damage, breathing recovery and clot severity. The Eagles expect Hurts to make a full recovery.

The NFL union called for an investigation into the handling of the condition. League commissioner Roger Goodell said the NFL welcomes a review of the team’s actions. The NFL also defended the medical care by the team.

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a gel-like mass of blood forms in an inner vessel. A pulmonary embolism happens when that blockage moves and lodges in the respiratory system. Anticoagulants prevent further clotting while the body gradually dissolves the existing blockages.

Kalapatapu hopes the case in Little Rock prompts people to spot warning signs early. Anyone with sudden chest pain should seek emergency care immediately. Quick treatment prevents major long-term health complications.