A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that develops in a blood vessel in the body (often in the leg). It then travels to a lung artery where it suddenly blocks blood flow. Show
A blood clot that forms in a blood vessel in area of the body, breaks off, and travels to another area of the body in the blood is called an embolus. An embolus can lodge itself in a blood vessel. This can block the blood supply to an organ. This blockage of a blood vessel by an embolus is called an embolism. The heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins make up the body's circulatory system. Blood is pumped with great force from the heart into the arteries. From there blood flows into the capillaries (tiny blood vessels in the tissues). Blood returns to the heart through the veins. As it moves through the veins back to the heart, blood flow slows. Sometimes this slower blood flow may lead to clot formation. What causes a pulmonary embolism?Blood clotting is a normal process to prevent bleeding. The body makes blood clots and then breaks them down. Under certain circumstances, the body may be unable to break down a clot. This may result in a serious health problem. When blood clots in a vein, it may be due to the slowed blood flow, an abnormality in clot forming, or from an injury to the blood vessel wall. Blood clots can form in arteries and veins. Clots formed in veins are called venous clots. Veins of the legs can be superficial veins (close to the surface of the skin) or deep veins (located near the bone and surrounded by muscle). Venous clots most often happen in the deep veins of the legs. This is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Once a clot has formed in the deep veins of the leg, there is a potential for part of the clot to break off and travel through the blood to another area of the body, often the lung. DVT is the most common cause of a pulmonary embolism. Other less common causes include:
Who is at risk for a pulmonary embolism?Risk factors for pulmonary embolism include:
What are the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?Each person may experience symptoms differently. The most common symptoms include:
You may also have symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), such as:
If your healthcare provider thinks you have a PE, he or she will check your legs for signs of deep vein thrombosis. The type and extent of symptoms of a PE will depend on the size of the embolism and whether you have heart or lung problems. The symptoms of a PE may look like other medical conditions or problems. Always talk with a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is pulmonary embolism diagnosed?Pulmonary embolism (PE) is often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms of PE are a lot like those of many other conditions and diseases. Along with a complete medical history and physical exam, tests used to look for a PE may include:
How is a pulmonary embolism treated?Treatment choices for pulmonary embolism (PE) include:
An important aspect of treating a PE is treatment to prevent more embolisms. What are possible complications of a pulmonary embolism?A pulmonary embolism (PE) can cause a lack of blood flow that leads to lung tissue damage. It can cause low blood oxygen levels that can damage other organs in the body, too. A PE, especially a large PE or many clots, can quickly cause serious life-threatening problems and even death. Treatment of a PE is often done with anti-coagulation medicines or blood thinners. These medicines can put you at a risk for excessive bleeding if they thin your blood too much. Excessive bleeding is bleeding that won't stop after you apply pressure for 10 minutes. Other symptoms of bleeding to watch for include: Signs of bleeding in the digestive system:
Signs of bleeding in the brain:
If you have any of these symptoms, you need to get medical care right away. What can I do to prevent a pulmonary embolism?You can help prevent a PE by:
You can help prevent DVT with:
Many people are still at risk for DVTs for a time after they go home from the hospital. It is important to continue treatment to prevent DVTs until this risk goes away. That usually takes about 3 to 6 months. Key points about pulmonary embolisms
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Medical Reviewer: Deepak Sudheendra MD Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN © 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. What are 3 signs and symptoms associated with a pulmonary embolism?Common symptoms include:. Shortness of breath. This symptom usually appears suddenly. Trouble catching your breath happens even when resting and gets worse with physical activity.. Chest pain. You may feel like you're having a heart attack. ... . Fainting. You may pass out if your heart rate or blood pressure drops suddenly.. What are the clinical signs of pulmonary embolism?What are the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?. Sudden shortness of breath (most common). Chest pain (usually worse with breathing). A feeling of anxiety.. A feeling of dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.. Irregular heartbeat.. Palpitations (heart racing). Coughing and/or coughing up blood.. Sweating.. What is the most common assessment findings for pulmonary embolism?Dyspnea, chest pain, and cough are the most frequent symptoms of PE, while fever, tachycardia, abnormal pulmonary signs, and peripheral vascular collapse are the most common physical findings.
What is the most common presenting symptom in pulmonary embolism?The most common presenting symptom is dyspnea followed by chest pain (classically pleuritic but often dull) and cough. However, many patients, including those with large PE, have mild or nonspecific symptoms or are asymptomatic.
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