Athletes and Blood Clots
You might think because they are in peak physical condition and have incredibly active lifestyles, that athletes are immune from vein diseases such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolisms (PE).
Unfortunately, no one is immune to vein disease of any kind including these two very severe types. Despite being in optimal shape and having the physical lifestyle that many dream of, athletes are still at risk for vein diseases. In fact, some of the aspects that are most common in athletes can lead to a higher chance of developing these vein related issues.
In this article, we’ll go over what DVT and PE are, some of the common risk factors related to DVT and PE, what it might look or feel like if you have them and how you can try to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Background
Deep Vein Thrombosis
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep within the body. This can occur in the upper portion of your body but most commonly happens in the lower portion, in the legs specifically. While very serious, it's when they move that they become a major issue.
Pulmonary Embolism
This happens when that blood clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs. These are considered life threatening and should be treated with immediate medical attention.
Common Risk Factors for Athletes
1. Family History
It is something that is common in countless illnesses, but genetics is a huge factor for DVT and PE as well. Even though many athletes can seemingly stave off the sands of time longer than most, genetics is something that affects every person regardless of age. If a family member has had these issues in the past, you may be subject to a higher chance of getting them.
2. Age
Even if athletes may be healthier when older, people over the age of 40 are at a higher risk of suffering from DVT and PE. With many athletes playing longer and longer these days, they may face these issues during their playing career.
3. Recent surgery or broken bones
Surgery from broken bones and any other issue an athlete faces, can increase their chances of getting DVT and PE. This is because surgery is usually followed by long periods of rest which can lead to weakened veins. Injuries can also damage the veins, which are then more prone to vein diseases.
4. Long and frequent periods of travel
With a lot of travel comes a lot of sitting. Because they often travel in cramped spaces like planes or buses, there is not much room for an entire team or staff to stand and move around. Therefore, on those long trips, many athletes have to sit for extended periods of time. Long periods of sitting leads to a higher likelihood for clotting in the legs.
5. Dehydration
Despite drinking a lot of water or their favorite electrolyte rich drinks, athletes still compete at a really intense level. With that comes the chance to be dehydrated, and dehydration is a major cause of clotting because the blood volume is decreased meaning it becomes thicker than normal.
6. Pregnancy
Besides sidelining them from their normal amount of physical activity, pregnancy comes with a higher risk for vein disease. Likewise, many birth control pills affect hormones which can dramatically affect your chances of getting vein diseases.
Now that you know the possible risks an athlete faces, you might be wondering what DVT and PE specifically look or feel like.
Common Symptoms of DVT and PE
DVT Symptoms
Abnormal warmth in a particular spot
the arms or legs being discolored (usually red)
Swelling of a limb-usually only one side
New onset pain or soreness that lasts for an unusual length of time
PE Symptoms
Sudden or rapid onset shortness of breath
A heart rate that is suddenly faster than normal
Sharp chest pain that potentially worsens with each heavy breath
Fainting or feeling lightheaded
A cough that may be joined with bloody mucus
If you feel like you have or have had any of these symptoms, consult a medical professional immediately. Knowing what they look like is a necessary step that could save a life.
Prevention Methods
There are a variety of things an athlete can do to prevent suffering from DVT and PE.
1. Drink plenty of fluids
Because dehydration is such a big risk for many athletes, drinking water and other fluids that can help replenish the body in healthy ways is key to preventing any type of clot.
2. Know personal risk factors
It is important for an athlete to know what risks they face, and by letting those around them know, they can raise the likelihood of preventing a serious issue. They can also improve the response time if others are aware of specific factors they may have.
3. Stay active while traveling
Stretching and staying limber are super important on those long trips from city to city. Staying loose and active will keep the blood flowing and lower the chance of developing a clot from sitting too long. It may also make an athlete's performance better since they will have had better circulation compared to someone who sat the entire trip.
4. Be aware of the symptoms
Just like knowing the risk factors, making yourself and others aware of the symptoms could be the difference between life and death if DVT becomes a PE. The more knowledge everyone has, the faster an appropriate action can be taken.
Regardless of whether you are an athlete or not, DVT and PE are serious medical conditions to be aware of. See a vein specialist if you are concerned about your overall vein health or if you are at higher risk for DVT and/or PE.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.