Ringo Starr's son suffers potentially fatal leg condition – what you need to know
Zak Starkey, the son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, was forced to pull out of a gig after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his leg
Zak Starkey, Ringo Starr's son, had to bow out of a London gig due to a severe health scare. The 59-year-old drummer was mere hours from taking the stage with his band, Mantra of the Cosmos, when a blood clot was found in his right leg.
A band representative has now shared that Zak is going to take it easy while taking blood thinners for the next two weeks. This incident occurred shortly after their recent gigs at Liverpool's iconic Cavern Club, where The Beatles first made their mark.
In light of this event, Dr Lawrence Cunningham, a retired GP from Help & Advice, emphasised the importance of recognising symptoms of a blood clot and ways to potentially reduce such risks. In an exclusive conversation with the Mirror, he commented: "While clots are commonly found in the legs, particularly in the condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), they can occur elsewhere.
"I've encountered cases where clots have developed in the arms or even more critically, in the lungs, which is known as a pulmonary embolism. I'd say that clots can also occur in the brain, leading to strokes, or in the heart, causing heart attacks."
Dr Cunningham pointed out that although different locations of blood clots can trigger varying symptoms, there are several key warning signs to look out for. These might include swelling, pain or redness in a specific area, which can also feel unusually warm to touch.
In cases where a blood clot has moved to the lungs, Dr Cunningham's observed shortness of breath and chest pain in his patients as well. This is potentially fatal.
"Blood clots can be life-threatening, especially if they travel to vital organs such as the lungs or brain," Dr Cunningham continued. "However, with early detection and treatment, many people recover fully. Anticoagulant medications can significantly reduce the risk of complications."
Several individualistic factors can enhance your risk of blood clots, including a family history of disorders and certain medical conditions like cancer or autoimmune disorders. The NHS states that being overweight, smoking and using combine hormonal contraceptives can worsen this risk too.
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Despite this, both Dr Cunningham and the NHS state that regular exercise and staying hydrated can help lower this risk, while advising against excessive alcohol consumption and extended periods of inactivity.
Dr Cunningham summarised: "Prevention is key, and I always recommend staying active to promote healthy blood flow. Hydration is also crucial, especially during long periods of inactivity, like long flights.
"I'd say that maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking can lower your risk significantly. For those at higher risk, medical interventions, such as blood thinners, might be advised.
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"In my view, awareness is critical. Knowing the symptoms and risk factors can lead to early intervention and better outcomes. I also emphasise the importance of regular check-ups, especially for those with risk factors. A proactive approach can prevent many serious complications."
