Sport and thrombosis: a real story
Although they may appear immune to thrombosis due to their physical training, athletes are not risk free. In this story we’ll meet Jennifer Pareja, world water polo champion, and how heparin helped her to continue his sports career.
Jennifer Pareja, Olympic water polo player
It was impossible to finish a training session. It was a clot in the subclavian vein.
Dr. Joan Carles Souto, hematologist Santa Creu i Sant Pau Hospital
When coagulation works too much and improperly, it causes an improper clot which ends up blocking circulation. The main consequence of a venous thrombosis is when the clot comes loose and moves towards the lung. In the lung it blocks circulation and can end up causing a mortal stoppage.
Jennifer Pareja, Olympic water polo player
I’d never have thought I’d need heparin. We usually associate clots with the elderly. At that time, a 17-year-old playing sports- anyone thought of that.
Dr. Joan Carles Souto, hematologist Santa Creu i Sant Pau Hospital
Heparin is a crucial anticoagulant in modern medicine.
Jennifer Pareja, Olympic water polo player
After six months, I got tested again and the clot had disappeared. Honestly, I can’t complain. It was a rough experience but everything that has happened since has made it worth it.
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