Jalen Hurts’ blood clot scare raises an important question. Who’s really at risk?
TheGrio...
After NFL star Jalen Hurts developed blood clots in his leg and lungs, we break down what Black Americans should know about their risk.
While blood clots are often thought of as a health crisis for older adults, Jalen Hurts is shedding light on the fact that Black adults under 40 face a greater risk of developing potentially life-threatening blood clots than their white counterparts.
On Monday, Oct. 19, the Philadelphia Eagles and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, announced that the 28-year-old quarterback has been diagnosed with blood clots in both lungs, sidelining him for the remainder of the NFL season.
The saga began earlier this month when Hurts was cleated in his left calf during an Oct. 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams. After initially discovering a superficial blood clot, doctors cleared him to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Oct. 11, only for follow-up testing to reveal a more serious diagnosis. Fortunately, the Eagles say Hurts is in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery without long-term complications. For now, he’ll remain on blood thinners and away from contact football while undergoing treatment, though he is expected to remain active around the team.
As Hurts continues to recover, his medical emergency is challenging common assumptions about who is at risk for blood clots, particularly among younger, seemingly healthy adults. And with research showing that Black Americans face disproportionately high rates of these potentially life-threatening clots, his experience raises important questions about what causes them, who’s most vulnerable, and how to recognize and prevent them.
What exactly did Jalen Hurts experience
Hurts experienced what’s known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the leg, and what’s called bilateral pulmonary embolism. Sometimes parts of a clot can break loose and travel through the bloodstream and become lodged in the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. In Hurts’ case, doctors found clots in both lungs, making his condition particularly concerning because pulmonary embolisms can block blood flow, reduce oxygen levels, and become life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Who is at risk for blood clots
Roughly 900,000 Americans develop blood clots annually. Meanwhile, Black Americans are roughly 65% more likely to develop them than their white counterparts, according to research published in the American Journal of Medicine.
And while the risk of developing blood clots increases with age, cases like Hurts’ are drawing attention to just how vulnerable younger adults can be, too. In fact, research has found that Black people under 40 are at increased risk than their white counterparts.
Why is the risk greater for Black Americans
Longstanding systemic disparities, including environmental factors, lack of access to quality care, higher rates of underlying conditions, and genetic factors, all play a major part in the adverse health outcomes facing Black Americans, including their increased risk of blood clots. Beyond those disparities, the Mayo Clinic outlines excess weight, smoking, prolonged inactivity, injuries, surgery, pregnancy, certain hormonal medications, and a family history of blood clots among other risk factors.
What does prevention look like
Health experts recommend that people at increased risk of developing blood clots stay physically active, avoid sitting for long periods, and work with their healthcare providers to manage any underlying conditions that could increase their risk. According to the CDC, something as simple as taking a walk around every one to two hours during long flights, road trips, or extended periods of sitting can help keep blood flowing and reduce the likelihood of a clot forming.
For those recovering from surgery, hospitalization, or a serious injury, doctors may recommend compression stockings, blood thinners, or other preventive measures depending on their individual risk factors. Knowing your risk is also an important part of prevention, which is why learning your family’s medical history and maintaining regular appointments with a primary care provider can make a meaningful difference.
Know the warning signs and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself
Warning signs of a blood clot can include unexplained swelling, pain, tenderness, warmth, or discoloration in one leg, according to the CDC. If a clot travels to the lungs, symptoms can also include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, coughing up blood, or fainting, all of which require immediate emergency medical attention.
However, it should be stated that not every blood clot comes with obvious symptoms. According to the CDC, approximately half of people who develop deep vein thrombosis experience no symptoms at all, while others may mistake the discomfort for something as ordinary as a muscle strain. Knowing your family history, paying attention to changes in your body, and advocating for yourself when something feels off can be especially important.
Why staying on top of your health matters
With the risks already disproportionately high, Black Americans, including younger adults like Hurts, have every reason to take their health seriously. Staying on top of annual checkups, maintaining a relationship with a primary care provider, and knowing your family’s medical history can all go a long way toward preventing the worst and improving health outcomes should anything arise.