Thursday, March 3, 2011

Serena Williams' health scare: Are you at risk?

(CBS News) 

Tennis star Serena Williams has said in a statement released to CBS News following her recent health scares, "This is extremely hard, scary and disappointing."

Williams had a blood clot, also known as a pulmonary embolism, in her lung last week, then needed emergency treatment on Monday due to complications.

Serena Williams suffers pulmonary embolism
Serena Williams says blood clot "scary"

But the condition, as scary as it is, is unfortunately common. "Early Show" co-anchor Chris Wragge noted on the broadcast that pulmonary embolisms affect at least 100,000 Americans every year.

CBS News Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton explained what happens when pulmonary embolisms strike.

"This is normally a blood clot that starts usually in the leg or lower extremity and then travels up the body, into the heart, and lodges in the lungs, can give you symptoms of increased respiratory rate, increased heart rate, some shortness of breath," she said.

More

No comments: