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A pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage of a lung artery, often caused by a blood clot from the legs. Symptoms include shortness of breath and chest pain. Treatment includes blood-thinning drugs or surgery. Regular check-ups are important for those at risk.
A pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage of a pulmonary artery or of an artery supplying the lungs. Blockage is commonly caused by a blood clot that has traveled from elsewhere in the body to the lung, but rarely can an air bubble or other obstruction cause the blockage. A pulmonary embolism can cause low blood oxygen levels and damage to other organs from lack of oxygen and is the cause of the death of approximately 60,000 patients in the United States each year.
Common sources of blood clots that can cause a pulmonary embolism are the veins deep inside the legs. Blood clots can form there following periods of sedentary activity, such as after surgery, during an illness that requires bed rest, or even during long car rides when your legs don’t move. Damage to veins, such as with surgery or an injury, can also cause blood clots. In some cases, genetics cause a person’s blood to clot and form clots.
Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism are often sudden and can include shortness of breath, chest pain when you breathe deeply or cough, and possibly coughing up blood. In some cases, the clot that causes a pulmonary embolism is small and the symptoms are more gradual. These symptoms that come on gradually include dizziness or fainting, rapid breathing, anxiety, and profuse sweating.
As signs or symptoms of pulmonary embolism appear, a doctor may order tests to diagnose the condition. Typically, an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) and chest X-ray are among the first tests ordered. An EKG or EKG allows your doctor to measure the rate and regularity of your heart, while a chest X-ray shows your lungs, heart, and arteries. Other diagnostic tests might include an ultrasound and blood work, which measures blood oxygen levels.
Many people who have small pulmonary embolisms are immediately put on an anticoagulant, which is a blood-thinning drug. The drug can be in the form of a pill, injection, or drip. A large and severe pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening and may require surgery to remove or dissolve the clot.
Patients who have previously had a pulmonary embolism are at a higher risk of developing one again, and the risk also increases as the person ages. Other conditions, such as obesity, poor circulation, and genetic disorders, can increase a person’s risk of developing a pulmonary embolism. Routine doctor visits are important to monitor blood pressure and heart rate, and any signs or symptoms should be discussed with a doctor.
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