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Lung blood clots, or pulmonary embolisms are more common among the elderly, sick or bedridden, and are estimated to be responsible for 10% of all deaths in hospital, according to BBC Health.

This condition occurs when there is a sudden obstruction of a lung artery owing to a blood clot that dislodged somewhere else in the body - over 90% of pulmonary emboli primarily originate from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the leg. This leads to obstruction of the blood supply to the lung tissue and severe chest pain and shortness of breath.

If this condition is not treated aggressively, it can lead to respiratory and circulatory collapse and death.

“He (Spies) will be treated and monitored over the next couple of months,” Springbok team doctor Yusuf Hassan said. Spies is not allowed to participate in any contact sport for a period of between six and eight months, Hassan added.

Prof Chris Bolliger, a pulmonologist of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Stellenbosch said the incidence of pulmonary embolism is highly unusual in a young fit athlete. “When blood doesn’t flow properly, it forms a clot, which then dislodges, goes through the heart and get’s stuck in the lungs,” Bolliger explained.

According to Bolliger, the occurrence of pulmonary emboli in young people has been linked to the following:

• Genetically inherited – Factor V Leiden, the most frequent hereditary blood coagulation disorder, increases the risk of venous thrombosis
• Trauma to the leg – bleeding in the muscle, caused by a possible trauma to the leg, could lead to DVT, which can cause pulmonary emboli
• “Economy syndrome” – Sitting still during long flights has proved to cause DVT
• Anabolic steroids – According to Bolliger, body builders and weight lifters have acquired pulmonary emboli due to the use of anabolic steroids
• Smoking – especially when combined with genetic proneness to pulmonary emboli
• Unhealthy lifestyle – An obese and/or unfit individual would be more prone to this condition than a fit athlete.

Bolliger emphasised that he would have to examine Spies to make an accurate diagnosis, but said his condition was probably owing to various factors. (Wilma Stassen, Health24, July 2007)

Sources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health
FVL Thrombophilia Support Page

Read more:
Pulmonary thromboembolism
Deep-vein thrombosis
 

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