Jalen Hurts Diagnosed With Blood Clots in Both Lungs, Puts Blood Thinners in Focus
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is being treated for blood clots in both lungs and is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season. His case has drawn attention to the risks patients face when taking blood thinners.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is being treated for blood clots in both lungs, a diagnosis that has brought renewed attention to blood thinners and the mistakes patients can make while taking them. According to the NFL, Hurts is receiving treatment with the medication and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 season.
Medical experts stress that clots can strike people who appear healthy and physically fit. Dr. Joseph V. Lombardi, chief physician executive at AtlantiCare, said that being in shape lowers the risk but does not make a person immune. Dangerous clots can form when risk factors such as an injury, long-distance travel or recent surgery combine, even in young and active people.
Blood thinners help prevent dangerous clots from growing or forming, but they can also make it harder for the body to stop bleeding after an injury. That concern is especially relevant for athletes in high-contact sports and for anyone who falls or is hurt. Hurts' situation is a reminder of why he cannot play football during treatment, and why patients taking these drugs are advised to think carefully about physical activity.
Dr. Yazan Abou-Ismail, a hematologist and thrombosis expert at the University of Utah, said that taking the medication consistently, understanding potential drug interactions and recognizing warning signs can greatly reduce the risk of complications. He identified several common errors that patients should avoid.
The first is misjudging how long treatment should last. Some patients need blood thinners only for a limited period, while others take them long term. When a clot has a clear cause, such as an injury, treatment often lasts about three months, Lombardi said. The appropriate duration depends on the reason for treatment and whether a patient has had earlier clots. Stopping too soon can raise the risk of another clot, while continuing longer than prescribed can increase the risk of bleeding. Patients should not stop or extend treatment without consulting their doctor.
The second mistake involves missed doses. Abou-Ismail said that repeatedly missing doses can weaken the medication's protection against clots. What to do after a missed dose depends on the specific drug, so patients should follow the prescription instructions or contact their pharmacist or doctor rather than automatically doubling up to make up for a skipped dose.
The third concern is combining blood thinners with over-the-counter painkillers. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen, can increase bleeding risk when taken alongside blood thinners. Some prescription medications and supplements, including fish oil and turmeric, can also affect bleeding or the level of the medication in the body. Patients should check with a doctor or pharmacist before starting anything new, even products sold without a prescription.
The fourth involves recognizing bleeding that needs medical attention. Some bruising or minor bleeding can occur, but persistent nosebleeds, blood in the urine or unexplained increases in bruising warrant a call to a health care provider. Uncontrolled bleeding, vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, a sudden severe headache, new confusion, vision changes or trouble speaking require urgent care. After a significant head injury, patients should seek medical evaluation even if they initially feel fine, experts note.
The fifth mistake is assuming that all physical activity is safe. A hard hit or fall can lead to serious bleeding in someone taking a blood thinner. Patients should ask their doctor which activities are safe for them. Some may be able to continue exercising, but contact sports and other high-injury-risk activities call for extra caution.
Lombardi also cautioned that blood thinners do not dissolve an existing clot. Instead, they help keep it from growing while the body clears it over time. Because appropriate treatment and precautions vary from person to person, patients with questions about doses, side effects or activity should contact their care team directly.
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