(NEXSTAR) – Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert was hospitalized this week after she noticed “extreme swelling” in her leg. Physicians conducted tests and identified Boebert with May-Thurner syndrome, according to her campaign.
The little-known syndrome occurs when the right iliac artery, located in the abdomen, presses onto the left iliac vein, responsible for blood flow between the left leg and heart, explains Cleveland Clinic. This pressure can disrupt blood flow to the legs.
If blood can’t return to the heart, it may begin to pool in the legs and cause a blood clot, or deep vein thrombosis.
Boebert noticed signs of a problem because there was “severe swelling in her upper left leg,” according to her campaign.
The syndrome usually affects the left leg. Other symptoms include heaviness, pain, skin discoloration, swelling or sores on the left leg.
While the name May-Thurner syndrome is not commonly known, the issue is not exactly rare. A 2012 medical journal publication estimated that 1 in 5 people experience this type of vein compression, but many go undiagnosed. It can go unnoticed unless a person experiences blood clots.
The syndrome is more prevalent in women, and in adults between 20 and 50 years old, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Boebert, 37, underwent a surgical procedure to remove the clot, her campaign reported. A stent was also inserted to aid normal blood flow.
“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,” the campaign statement reads.
The far-right Congresswoman currently represents Colorado’s 3rd district as she runs for the 4th district seat on the other side of the state.
