Deep vein thrombosis, more commonly called DVT, is a condition that can cause death by pulmonary embolism. DVT has affected the lives of many people over the years, including a long list of well-known celebrities. Many have suffered from DVT, and some have even died.
For anyone that suffers from varicose veins or DVT, it’s important to learn more about varicose veins and how they can cause DVT. Understanding the factors that can contribute to DVT and what you can do about it can help you avoid a life-threatening condition.
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Celebrities You Never Knew Suffered from DVT
Below are some of the most well-known celebrities who have been touched by DVT:
Hilary Clinton
In 2012, Hilary Clinton developed a blood clot in her legs at the time of a concussion. It was not the former first lady’s first blood clot: she also developed a blood clot in her leg in 1998. At the time that her first blood clot developed, she was advised in 1998 to take blood-thinning medication. Information about the prescription for blood thinning medication was disclosed on her presidential campaign in 2016. Like many celebrities, her risk for DVT was increased by her many long-distance flights.
Dwayne Johnson’s Dad
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s father died of DVT when he developed a blood clot in his leg. The clot traveled to his lung, where it caused a fatal heart attack. His death occurred following a cold and infection, but the heart attack was brief and deadly.
Serena Williams
Tennis star Serena Williams was diagnosed with DVT in 2011, and then suffered repeatedly from blood clots following her original DVT diagnosis. She has been treated for clots multiple times, and now has a healthy diagnosis. Serena Williams travels regularly and is at risk for DVT, despite being extremely fit.
James Stewart
James Stewart is one of the most popular actors in the history of film. In his career, James Stewart played in famous movies like Rear Window, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. James Stewart developed a DVT in his leg in 1997. The clot in his leg eventually became a pulmonary embolism. He passed away later the same year.
Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh, former forward for the Miami Heat, is no longer able to play in the NBA because of his history with blood clots. Chris Bosh argued that he should be able to continue playing for the Miami Heat, but was told by the NBA and by his doctors that he he could not. Regular travel for basketball games makes the likelihood of DVT more likely. In addition, blood thinners (a common prescription for patients suffering from DVT) are a risk for injury on the basketball court which could be fatal.
Frida Kahlo
Artist Frida Kahlo, a Mexican painter who was made famous for her self-portraits, suffered from health problems throughout her life. As a teenager, she was in a bus accident that badly damaged her leg. Much later in life, she developed gangrene in her leg, resulting in its amputation. In 1954, Frida died of a pulmonary embolism from a blood clot that traveled from her leg.
Zsa Zsa Gabor
Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor had several strokes and was in a car accident in 2002 that left her permanently disabled. These traumas made her a high risk for DVT. In 2010, she was rushed to the hospital with swelling in her leg, caused by a blood clot. She survived the DVT but died in 2016 at age 99.
Heavy D
Dwight Arrington Myers, also known as Heavy D, was a record producer, rapper and actor. He was also a leader and member of the band Heavy D & the Boyz, a group that was popular in the United States throughout the 1990’s. He died in 2011 from a pulmonary embolism. The embolism likely formed during an extended trip by air.
Regis Philbin
Regis Philbin is the former cohost of Live with Regis and Kelly. In 2007, Regis had a triple-bypass surgery. In December 2009, his hip was replaced. Both of these procedures could have contributed to his risk of DVT. The year after his hip replacement, Regis announced a blood clot in his leg had been removed in an interventional procedure. He reported at the time that the blood clot made walking a challenge.
Garry Shandling
In 2016, comedian Garry Shandling was pronounced dead of a blood clot in his heart. He was 66. DVT in his legs was identified as a probable cause. He was previously diagnosed with DVT. A filter had been implanted in his vena cava (the large vein between the legs and the heart) to prevent an embolism, but the filter failed.
Contact Inovia Vein Specialty Centers
If you suffer from DVT, varicose veins or other vein disorders, get help from a specialist by filling out our Online Appointment Request Form or call any of our clinics in Northwest Portland , Tigard, Happy Valley, Hillsboro or Bend, Oregon.