Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in a lung artery. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is usually caused by a blood clot in the leg called a deep vein thrombosis. The clot can break free, travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, and block an artery.

Signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE) include unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain, cough (which may be bloody), faster than normal heartbeat, and lightheadedness or fainting. In some cases the only signs and symptoms are related to deep vein thrombosis , such as swelling of the leg or along a vein in the leg, and pain or tenderness in the leg, among others.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) usually starts off as a blood clot in leg called a deep vein thrombosis. The clot can break free, travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, and block an artery. Other causes may include an air bubble, part of a tumor, or other tissue can travel to the lungs and cause PE (rarely). When a large bone in the body (such as the thigh bone) breaks, fat from the bone marrow can travel through the blood. If the fat reaches the lungs, it can cause PE.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is treated with thrombolytics, anticoagulants, and procedures, and other treatments. The main goals of treating PE are to stop the blood clot from becoming bigger and prevent new clots from developing. The goals of treating PE are to prevent the blood clot from getting bigger or breaking off and moving to the brain, as well as reduce chances of having another blood clot. Anticoagulants are used to prevent the clots from becoming bigger (enoxaparin, dalteparin, fondaparinux, warfarin). Thrombolytics are used to quickly dissolve large blood clots that cause severe symptoms. Because thrombolytics can cause sudden bleeding, they're used only in life-threatening situations. 

Pulmonary embolism (PE) usually starts off as a blood clot in leg called a deep vein thrombosis. The clot can break free, travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, and block an artery.

Other causes may include:

• In some rare cases, an air bubble, part of a tumor, or other tissue can travel to the lungs and cause PE.
• A large bone in the body (such as the thigh bone) breaks, fat from the bone marrow can travel through the blood. If the fat reaches the lungs, it can cause PE.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs equally in men and women.

Risk Factors for PE

• advancing age. The risk increases with age. For every 10 years after age 60, the risk for a PE doubles.
• have deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a history of DVT
• have had a PE before
• having certain inherited conditions, such as factor V Leiden
• being on bed rest or unable to move around much
• having surgery or breaking a bone (the risk goes up in the weeks following the surgery or injury)
• having certain diseases or conditions, such as a stroke, paralysis (an inability to move), chronic heart disease, or high blood pressure
• smoking

Risk factors for for DVT:

• have recently been treated for cancer 
• have a central venous catheter (a tube placed in a vein to allow easy access to the bloodstream)
• sitting for long periods (long car or airplane trips)
• Post certain types of surgery
• Bed rest for a long period of time
• pregnancy and the 6-week period after pregnancy
• being overweight or obese
• take hormone therapy pills or birth control pills
• damaged or veins from surgery or injured veins

The risk for developing blood clots increases as your number of risk factors increases.

Call 911 immediately for sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing, a rapid heartbeat, or coughing up blood, especially after surgery, injury, or long travel. A pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening emergency.