Pulmonary Embolism

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

Chest pain (often sudden)
Shortness of breath
Sharp pain that worsens when taking a deep breath
Coughing up blood

Risk Factors

Age, especially over the age of 60
Presence of deep vein thrombosis or previous deep vein thrombosis
Certain inherited conditions, such as factor V Leiden
Previous pulmonary embolism
Recent treatment for cancer
Presence of a central venous catheter, a tube that is placed in a vein for some medical treatments
Sitting for long periods of time (for example in a car or on an airplane)
Pregnancy, including the six week period after pregnancy
Hormone therapy
Birth control pills
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.

Treatments

Oxygen is usually given – through a tube, through a mask or, in severe cases of low oxygen levels, through a ventilator
Blood thinners
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:

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