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Center for Vein Restoration
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave missed the Saints’ regular-season finale after doctors discovered a blood clot in his lung, also called pulmonary embolism (PE). At the time of this writing, Olave remained hospitalized but was expected to be discharged soon. His teammates, coaches, and fans are rooting for his recovery, and Olave himself shared an optimistic message while still in the hospital, adding that he should be able to return to full-contact play in three months.
Olave’s situation is serious because blood clots in the lungs can block blood flow and make breathing difficult, but early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the risk of death can be as high as 30 percent if a pulmonary embolism goes untreated, but with prompt care, that risk drops to about 1–3 percent, depending on overall heart and lung health. That difference is why early symptoms should never be brushed off as “just sore legs” or “normal aging.”
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Olave’s experience matters because most pulmonary embolisms start in the legs, and many people with everyday vein symptoms never realize they are at risk.
If you are experiencing leg pain, swelling, aching, itching, visible or problem veins, schedule an evaluation with a board-certified vein specialist at Center for Vein Restoration. Protect your circulation and reduce your risk of developing serious complications, such as ulcers and blood clots, by seeking professional vein care today.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels through the bloodstream and becomes lodged in the arteries of the lungs. Most often, these clots begin in the deep veins of the legs, a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These clots break loose and travel to the lungs.
Symptoms may include sudden trouble breathing, chest pain, fast heartbeat, and coughing. Prompt care with anticoagulant medication and close medical monitoring helps keep the clot from growing and prevents new clots from forming.
Pulmonary embolism is not common in young athletes, although it can happen to anyone. Recent high-profile examples include basketball players Victor Wembanyama and Chris Bosh, and volleyball standout Sarah Franklin.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), risk factors include being tall, fractures, muscle injury, major surgery, pregnancy, immobility, previous DVT and PE, and family history of developing clots.
Many people think of varicose veins as cosmetic concerns, but they are often visible signs of a deeper circulation problem. Think of vein valves as doors that should swing only one way. When they stop closing properly, blood slips backward and collects in the legs.
Veins in the legs rely on one-way valves to keep blood moving upward toward the heart. When these valves or the vein walls become weak or damaged, blood can leak backward and pool in the veins, a process known as reflux.
Over time, this ongoing pressure causes veins to enlarge, stretch, and twist, leading to varicose veins and spider veins, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH).
As blood continues to collect in the legs, pressure inside the veins increases further. This can cause symptoms such as leg swelling, aching, heaviness, fatigue, itching, and skin discoloration around the ankles. In more advanced cases, prolonged poor circulation can contribute to skin damage or slow-healing ulcers.
Varicose veins are usually not dangerous on their own, but they are a warning sign that blood flow is not working as efficiently as it should.
Research published in JAMA in 2018 found a strong association between varicose veins and a higher likelihood of developing deep vein thrombosis, showing that people with varicose veins were several times more likely to experience DVT than those without visible vein disease. While the study did not prove that varicose veins directly cause DVT, experts believe that chronic vein inflammation and increased pressure from faulty valves may help explain the elevated risk.
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If you recognize any of the following vein symptoms, your veins may be struggling more than you realize:
If you notice these symptoms, a professional evaluation by a Center for Vein R estoration vein specialist (CVR) can help determine whether vein disease is the root of your leg problems. Early steps often include lifestyle changes and the use of compression stockings. If needed, your CVR vein expert can develop a personalized minimally invasive vein treatment just for you.
👉 Book your consultation with a CVR vein specialist today and discover how simple relief can be.
While some risk factors, such as genetics and age, cannot be changed, there are practical ways to prevent varicose veins and support vein health:
These habits keep blood moving, reduce pressure inside leg veins, and lower inflammation that can contribute to clot formation.
If you are experiencing leg pain, swelling, heaviness, or visible vein problems, do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Schedule an evaluation with a board-certified vein specialist at Center for Vein Restoration, where experts use advanced, minimally invasive vein treatments to improve circulation, relieve discomfort, and help reduce the risk of serious complications.
📞Call 240-249-8250 to speak with a CVR Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
Chris Olave’s diagnosis reminds all of us that even world-class athletes can face unexpected health challenges. His medical team identified the clot, and his recovery plan prioritizes his long-term health. For anyone experiencing symptoms related to vein health, early attention can prevent more serious problems down the line.
Veins work hard every day to keep blood moving. Taking proactive steps and paying attention to symptoms can support lifelong circulation health.
What causes a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism)?
A pulmonary embolism usually starts as a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When part of the clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, it can block blood flow and interfere with breathing.
Can varicose veins increase the risk of blood clots?
Varicose veins themselves are not usually dangerous, but they are a sign of poor circulation caused by faulty vein valves. Studies show people with varicose veins have a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, especially when other risk factors are present.
What leg symptoms may signal vein disease or clot risk?
Leg pain, swelling, heaviness, itching, skin discoloration, and visible varicose or spider veins can all indicate underlying vein disease. These symptoms should not be ignored, as they may signal venous insufficiency or impaired blood flow.
When should I see a vein specialist for leg symptoms?
You should see a vein specialist if leg symptoms persist, worsen, or affect daily comfort. A board-certified expert at Center for Vein Restoration can evaluate circulation and recommend minimally invasive treatments to improve blood flow and reduce complication risk.
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