Pulmonary embolism occurs when material, most often a blood clot, gets wedged into an artery in the lungs, commonly coming from the deep veins of your legs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis.
About one-third of people with undiagnosed and untreated pulmonary embolism die. When the condition is diagnosed and treated promptly, the prognosis is much improved.
There are complications that may include the development of pulmonary hypertension, a condition where the blood pressure in the lungs and in the right side of the heart is too high.
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Pulmonary Embolism Complications
Obstructions in the arteries inside the lungs make the heart work harder to push blood through vessels, and the added pressure can weaken the heart. Higher risk for pulmonary embolism may involve:
- Hospital or nursing home confinement—patients are at risk when bedridden, inactive or immobile for long periods of time
- Serious trauma
- Malignant neoplasm
- Chemotherapy or history of cancer
- Neurologic disease
- Central venous catheter or pacemaker
- Varicose veins
- Inherited blood clotting disorders
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking cigarettes
- Pregnancy
- Taking oral contraceptives
- Taking hormone replacement therapy
- Having diseases such as stroke, chronic heart disease, or high blood pressure
For high risk patients, pulmonary embolism prevention methods can include:
- Preventing clots in the deep veins in your legs (deep vein thrombosis) by using compression stockings, which help veins and leg muscles move blood more efficiently
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
- Leg elevation
- Physical activity
Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms
Pulmonary embolism symptoms can vary and depend mostly on how much of the lung is compromised, the size of the blood clots, and the presence of underlying lung or heart disease. Pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. Common signs and symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath—worse with physical exertion
- Severe chest pain
- Cough—possible blood-streaked sputum
- Leg pain or swelling
- Clammy skin or skin discoloration
- Fever
- Excessive sweating
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
