Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially catastrophic health issue in which a blood clot forms in the lung, blocking off blood flow and doing serious tissue damage. When a pulmonary embolism occurs, the resulting loss of oxygen in the blood is often fatal - an estimated one in three people who suffer from PE and go untreated die from this condition. The clots that lead to a pulmonary embolism usually form in the veins, usually in the pelvis or in the legs, before breaking loose and traveling into the lungs. A pulmonary embolism may form if a patient has had cancer, a fracture of the hip or leg, or a family history of blood clotting disorders, especially Factor V Leiden, an elevated level of homocysteine, or a gene mutation called prothrombin. Anyone who has symptoms of a pulmonary embolism should call for emergency medical help. Want to learn more? Read on for answers to some of the biggest questions about pulmonary embolism.
Pulmonary embolisms can happen to anyone, old or young. The risk of having a PE increases if the patient has heart disease, or has suffered a stroke, causing them to be immobilized. Other risks include having a history of blood clotting because of inherited disorders, cancer treatment, taking birth control or hormone replacement pills, or are pregnant or overweight.
The primary treatment for a pulmonary embolism is anticoagulent medication (blood thinners), which helps to stop new blood clots from forming.
First of all, the patient should not smoke. Second, they should try to maintain an optimal weight. Third, monitor closely blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. Fourth, use compression stockings to help encourage blood flow, and avoid leg crossing. Fifth, go over the family and medical history of blood clotting disorders with a doctor.
Unfortunately, getting blood clots is a very common occurrence. In the United States alone, over 900,000 people a year develop a blood clot, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Pulmonary embolisms are treatable if a patient spots symptoms early enough and goes for immediate medical care. There are medications available to thin the blood called anticoagulents, which in turn help to prevent future blood clots. Another treatment called thrombolitic therapy can help to dissolve existing blood clots.
Wheezing, anxiety, abrupt shortness of breath, a sharp pain in the jaw, neck, arm, chest, or shoulder, extremely low blood pressure, lightheadedness or fainting, clammy, pale skin, a rapid heartbeat, and a cough (sometimes accompanied by bloody sputum) are all symptoms of pulmonary embolism.
PE's are frequently misdiagnosed because its symptoms aren't specific to the disease. The most common early symptoms are chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, lightheadedness, dizziness, fever, and coughing up blood. Another common symptom is a swelling found in one leg.
If the patient is unable to use clot-busters, they might receive a vena cava filter. This is a filter that's inserted into a major vein (the vena cava) which lies just below the kidneys, which can then trap clots prior to their entrance into the lungs.
The most important thing for a patient to do is to exercise regularly and stay active. If a patient is forced to stay in bed for a long time, they should regularly move their legs and arms, wear compression stockings, and take blood thinners so that clots will be prevented from forming.