“Serena Williams underwent emergency treatment at Cedars Sinai Medical Center for a hematoma she suffered as a result of treatment for a more critical situation,” Chabot said in a release. “Last week, Serena suffered from a pulmonary embolism, which was discovered upon her return to L.A. She had been in New York for doctor appointments for the ongoing issues with her foot.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, a pulmonary embolism can lead to chest pains, shortness of breath, dehydration and sudden death. Pulmonary embolisms normally develop elsewhere in the body, usually the legs, and migrate to the lungs. Also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), embolisms can occur after sitting for a long period of time. DVT can be prevented by exercising while sitting, wearing support stockings, drinking fluids and avoiding alcohol.
Williams has been absent from the tennis circuit since winning Wimbledon in July 2010. She cut her foot at a restaurant in Munich and was forced to miss the U.S. Open and the Australian Open. Although Williams has been out of action for eight months, she remains the the best tennis player in America.
On Tuesday, Williams tweeted to her followers, “Tough Day.” But she later tweeted, “Go girl can’t wait” to Kim Kardashian when the reality star released a sneak peek of her new video. –a.r.
