San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama is sidelined for the season due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), raising awareness about this serious condition affecting many in his community. DVT, which can lead to fatal pulmonary embolisms, is prevalent in San Antonio due to factors like the hot climate, sedentary jobs, and high obesity rates. Dr. John Hogg emphasizes the need for preventive measures, including staying hydrated, regular movement, maintaining a healthy weight, and using compression stockings. By understanding and addressing the risks, the community can improve vascular health and reduce DVT occurrences.
Spurs center Victor Wembanyama is depicted during a game on February 12 against the Celtics in Boston. The Spurs have announced this game could mark his season’s end due to a blood clot in his shoulder. He is not the only one with this condition, as residents of San Antonio may also be at risk, emphasizing the necessity of increasing awareness and empowering community members to take preventive actions, as noted by our guest columnist.
The recent diagnosis of blood clots in young Spurs athlete Victor Wembanyama has brought the issue to the forefront of our minds.
Similar to Wemby, various factors can lead to the development of blood clots; however, residents of San Antonio generally experience a higher-than-average occurrence of DVT for several reasons, ranging from the warm climate to the nature of many local jobs.
RELATED: Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama is anticipated to miss the rest of the season
Article continues below this ad
As a vascular specialist, I’ve seen this concerning trend in our community firsthand, making it imperative to foster awareness and empower individuals to adopt preventive measures.
DVT, characterized by blood clots forming in deep veins, usually in the legs, can break loose and migrate to the lungs, resulting in a pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening situation.
Multiple factors contribute to the increased DVT rates in San Antonio.
Subscribe to the ENsights opinion newsletter
Receive the latest impactful editorials, incisive commentaries, and thoughtful perspectives from the Alamo City in your inbox. Click here to subscribe.
In 2024, the average temperature for the contiguous United States during meteorological summer, which spans June to August, was 74 degrees. In San Antonio, during this timeframe, the average temperature soared to 87 degrees, including 27 days with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees.
Article continues below this ad
In such a warm climate, veins dilate to help regulate body temperature. Consequently, blood return is slowed in these enlarged veins, akin to a widening in a river where water resembles a lake. Blood that moves slowly is more prone to clotting. Additionally, the hot weather can lead to dehydration, thickening the blood and further increasing clot risk.
RELATED: Victor Wembanyama is not the only NBA player facing blood clot challenges
In Military City, USA, many individuals work in fields like information technology security or operations at national call centers— both essential roles that often require extended periods of sedentary activity. Long durations of sitting or standing, whether at desks or counters, during lengthy commutes or travels, impedes blood flow in the legs. Movement through walking — exercising the calf pump — is crucial for facilitating blood circulation back to the heart throughout the day.
Moreover, San Antonians enjoy indulging in our barbacoa and Big Red, but excess body weight, including during pregnancy, makes it more challenging for veins to transport blood back to the heart, heightening the risk of clots. A staggering 71% of adults in Bexar County are classified as overweight or obese according to their body mass index, significantly exceeding the 42% average nationwide.
Being aware of DVT symptoms is vital for timely intervention. Symptoms to watch for include leg pain or swelling, usually occurring in one leg, warmth, and redness. If any of these symptoms arise, seeking immediate medical attention is essential.
Article continues below this ad
While recognizing symptoms is crucial, prevention is the best approach. Here are some practical measures San Antonians can adopt to mitigate their DVT risk:
Stay hydrated: Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout your day, especially in hot weather.
Move regularly: Refrain from sitting for extended periods. Take breaks to walk or stretch frequently, even if only for a few minutes. Regular calf pumps while seated, switching between resting on your toes and lifting your heels, can be beneficial.
Maintain a healthy weight: Adopting a balanced diet and consistent exercise routine can assist in managing body weight and enhancing overall cardiovascular health.
Utilize gradient compression stockings: These can provide essential support to the veins and aid in keeping the vital one-way valves functioning effectively.
Article continues below this ad
Travel smart: When undertaking long journeys, wearing compression stockings and performing leg exercises while seated is advisable.
By being mindful of the risk factors and cultivating healthy practices, we can work together to tackle the issue of DVT in San Antonio. Let us unite to safeguard the vascular health of our community.
Dr. John Hogg, a board-certified radiologist, established Medical Vein Clinic in 2017.