News last week of Vancouver Canucks Brock Boeser being out for the rest of these NHL playoffs, starting with a crucial game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers in the Conference semi-finals hit like a ton of bricks.
NHL reporter Marc-Antoine Godin did some research and started a very informative thread about blood cloths amongst NHL players. I found this to be so informative that I’ve decided to do more research about it.
Blood clots are more likely to occur in professional hockey players than in the general population due to a combination of physical, environmental, and lifestyle factors that create a higher risk for thrombotic events. By examining specific cases and understanding the scientific evidence behind these risks, we can better appreciate why NHL players face this heightened danger.
Increased Incidence of Blood Clots in the NHL
In recent years, blood clots have become more widespread in the NHL compared to the general population. For example, players like Brock Boeser and Frederik Andersen have had to deal with blood clots, illustrating a growing concern within professional hockey. The incidence rate of blood clots in the NHL, with approximately one case almost every year, translates to about 1 in 700 or 800 players, significantly higher than the general population’s rate of roughly 1 in 10,000 for that age group. This marked difference points to unique risk factors present in professional hockey.
Physical Trauma and Vein Damage
The physical nature of hockey involves frequent high-impact injuries, such as being hit by a puck or colliding with other players. These impacts can cause direct trauma to the veins, leading to endothelial injury, which is a known precursor to clot formation. For instance, in the case of Pascal Dupuis, recurrent injuries and the resultant vein damage likely contributed to his development of blood clots. According to medical research, trauma-induced endothelial injury significantly increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) .
Orthopaedic Surgeries and Immobility
Professional hockey players often undergo orthopaedic surgeries to repair injuries from the sport. These surgeries necessitate periods of immobilization, which can lead to reduced blood flow in the deep veins, particularly in the legs. Immobilization is a significant risk factor for blood clots because it can cause blood stasis, increasing the likelihood of clot formation. Studies have shown that patients recovering from orthopaedic surgeries, especially athletes, have a higher incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) .
Lifestyle Factors: Dehydration, Air Travel, and Reduced Mobility
Jed Ortmeyer, whose career was impacted by blood clots, highlighted the role of lifestyle factors such as dehydration, prolonged immobility during air travel, and the effects of air pressure on flights. After games, players often experience dehydration and then remain immobile for extended periods while traveling. Dehydration thickens the blood, and immobility can cause it to pool in the veins, both of which are conducive to clot formation. Air travel also exposes players to changes in cabin pressure, which can further exacerbate the risk. Dr. Philip Wells has acknowledged that these factors create an “ideal situation for blood clots to develop” .
Blocked Shots and Cumulative Trauma
The increasing number of blocked shots in the NHL adds another layer of risk. Blocking shots often results in bruises and hematomas, which can disrupt the alignment of veins and contribute to clot formation. This trend is concerning as the physical toll from blocking more shots increases the likelihood of cumulative trauma to the vascular system .
Genetic Predisposition and Congenital Factors
While environmental and lifestyle factors play a significant role, there may also be a genetic or congenital predisposition to blood clots among some players. Genetic factors can influence how prone an individual is to developing clots, although this is harder to quantify and varies among players. This point should fall more in line with the general population.
Conclusion
The higher likelihood of blood clots in professional hockey players compared to the general population can be attributed to a combination of frequent physical trauma, orthopaedic surgeries, dehydration, immobility during travel, and possibly genetic factors. These elements create a “perfect storm” for clot formation, supported by both anecdotal evidence from players like Jed Ortmeyer and scientific research on the risks associated with trauma, surgery, and immobility. Understanding these risks is crucial for developing preventive strategies to protect the health of professional athletes.
To dispel any conspiracy theories attributing every medical issue to the COVID-19 vaccines, it’s important to note that this trend pre-dates COVID and has been noticeable for over 15 years, affecting players such as Timonen, Vokoun, Fleischmann, Ortmeyer, McCormick, Dupuis, Postma, Cervenka, Vasilevskiy, Silfverberg, Stamkos, and Kreider, among others.
References:
- Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis – Risk factors for venous thromboembolism: trauma and its associated vascular damage.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – Postoperative DVT risk in orthopedic surgery.
- Ortmeyer, J. – Personal account and lifestyle factors contributing to blood clots.
- Dr. Philip Wells – Expert commentary on blood clot risks in professional athletes.
- Case studies of NHL players – Brock Boeser, Frederik Andersen, Pascal Dupuis, and others.
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