Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in an artery in the lungs. It occurs when a blood clot - usually from the legs (deep vein thrombosis) - breaks off, is carried through the bloodstream and lodges in the arteries in the lungs. This blocks the flow of blood through the heart, which may lead to death.
Symptoms
- Chest pain (often sudden)
- Shortness of breath
- Sharp pain that worsens when taking a deep breath
- Coughing up blood
Risk Factors
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Age, especially over the age of 60
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Presence of deep vein thrombosis or previous deep vein thrombosis
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Certain inherited conditions, such as factor V Leiden
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Previous pulmonary embolism
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Recent treatment for cancer
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Presence of a central venous catheter, a tube that is placed in a vein for some medical treatments
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Sitting for long periods of time (for example in a car or on an airplane)
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Pregnancy, including the six week period after pregnancy
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Hormone therapy
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Birth control pills
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Obesity
Complications
Massive pulmonary embolism causes an overload of the heart and can cause a sudden collapse of the cardiovascular system, which can cause fainting or sudden death.
Treatment
- Oxygen is usually given - through a tube, through a mask or, in severe cases of low oxygen levels, through a ventilator
- Medication
- Blood thinners, such as heparin or warfarin
- Blood pressure elevators
- "Clot buster" medications (thrombolytics) for the most serious cases
For further information please consult following chapters of Layman's Handbook of Venous Disorders:
Chapter 2: Risk Factors for Venous Thrombosis
Chapter 3: Clotting disorders
Chapter 6: Clinical Presentation of Venous Thrombosis "Clots": Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolus
Chapter 7: Medical Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolus
Chapter 9: Indications for Inferior Vena Cava Interruption