Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert has been diagnosed with May-Thurner syndrome and discovered to have an “acute blood clot,” her campaign said on Tuesday, April 2. The 37-year-old Republican congressman visited the hospital after experiencing acute swelling in the upper area of her left leg. She had to have surgery to remove the clot, and a stent was implanted to prevent her vein from narrowing again.
“After taking time to rest as recommended by doctors, she is expected to make a full recovery with no significant concerns for her long-term health and no hindrance to her ability to perform her duties as a Congresswoman,” her campaign said.
What is May-Thurner syndrome?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, May-Thurner syndrome happens when “the right iliac artery, which sends blood to your right leg, presses on the left iliac vein, which carries blood from your left leg to your heart.” While some people experience no symptoms at all, others, like Boebert, develop vein thrombosis (DVT), or blood clots in their legs.
According to the website, the disorder is slightly more common among women. It is more common among adults aged 20 to 50.
According to the website, “Iliac vein compression is common, occurring in about 1 in 5 people. However, many people with iliac vein compression don’t have a formal diagnosis of May-Thurner syndrome. This may be partly because most people don’t have symptoms of May-Thurner syndrome unless they develop DVT.”
The treatment for May-Thurner syndrome entails increasing blood flow and decreasing the likelihood of DVT. There is no method to prevent it because experts are unaware of the causes. It can even produce pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal consequence.