A pulmonary embolism, also called a PE, is a medical condition in which a thrombosis blocks blood flow in one or more arteries of the lungs.  It is very dangerous and could cause severe complications, possibly even death.  When blood flow in the lungs is blocked, oxygen levels can go down and can cause difficulty breathing.  Without oxygen, brain cells will die.

 

What is a thrombosis?
A thrombosis is an abnormal blood clot that has formed inside of any vein or artery and is big enough to prevent good blood flow.  They can be dangerous/deadly if a part breaks off and travels to other areas of the body or completely blocks blood flow.

 

What is a blood clot?
A blood clot is a mass of blood cells, platelets and clotting proteins that is normally made by the body after an injury to stop bleeding.  However, blood clots can also form for reasons such as poor blood flow, taking certain medications, having other medical conditions that have a high risk for the blood to clot and having other risk factors that increase the risk for the blood to clot.  When a blood clot is made abnormally or grows bigger than normal, it causes a problem with blood flow, preventing the transportation of oxygen.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

It is important to know the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, especially if you or your loved one have a thrombosis, or have had a thrombosis in the past. Symptoms include:

  • Having a hard time breathing
  • Breathing fast even when resting
  • Cough.  Sometimes coughing up blood
  • Chest pain
  • Pain in the back
  • Pain in the shoulder
  • Feeling weak
  • Paleness or blue color to skin
  • Fast heart beat
  • Sweating, even when resting
  • Feeling light headed

 

RISK Factors

  • Having a blood clot in the legs
  • Having a blood clotting disorder
  • Taking birth control pills
  • IV lines (central lines)
  • Broken bones
  • Family history of blood clots
  • Smoking
  • Sitting for a long time
  • Lack of exercise
  • Cancer
  • Obesity
  • Having a stroke or heart attack before
  • Heart disease

COMPLICATIONS

  • Heart attacks
  • Strokes
  • Lung damage
  • Damage to other organs due to oxygen loss
  • Death

TREATMENT

The treatment for pulmonary embolism depends on many things. The doctors will carefully decide what the best treatment plan is.  The following are treatments for pulmonary embolism:

  • Clot buster medications to break up the clot so blood can flow again
  • Surgery to remove the blood clot(s) from the lungs
  • Medications called anticoagulants prevent clots from getting bigger and new blood clots from being made.  Click here to learn more about pulmonary embolism medications.