Know the Facts
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that decreases or stops the flow of blood to the lungs. It usually forms in the leg and travels (embolus) to the lungs. As a result, the lungs can be damaged by lack of blood flow, and other organs can be damaged by a lack of oxygen supplied by the lungs. PE is a dangerous, potentially deadly occurrence requiring immediate medical attention.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a PE can vary. However, any unexplained shortness of breath or fainting should be assessed by a medical professional as soon as possible.
- Shortness of breath: usually appears suddenly, worsens with physical activity.
- Sharp chest pain when taking a deep breath
- Feeling faint or passing out
- Bloody cough
- A rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Lightheadedness
- Feeling anxious
Causes
Blood normally flows continuously in arteries and veins. Blood can clot for different reasons. An injury to a vessel, sluggish blood flow or a condition that causes blood to clot easier can cause blood to clot abnormally.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for PE are:
- A previous episode of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or family history of DVT
- Immobility, such as bed rest during hospitalization or at home
- Pregnancy and the first few weeks after giving birth
- Age- risk increases with age
- Overweight or obesity
- Cancer and cancer treatment
- Smoking any substance
- Hormone therapy or birth control pills
- Surgery
- A catheter (flexible tube) in the deep veins used for medical treatment
- Injuries from an accident
- Some inherited blood disorders
Evaluation
Your health care provider will obtain your medical history and perform an examination.
To determine if PE is present:
- Computed tomographic angiography (CTPA): a special type of x-ray that uses dye to look at the blood vessels in your lungs.
- Pulmonary V/Q scan: shows which part of your lung is getting airflow and blood flow.
Treatment Options
- Blood thinners: The standard of treatment for PE is blood-thinning drugs for three to six months. In some situations, your health care provider may recommend lifelong treatment.
- Catheter-Directed Thrombolytic therapy: For more information click HERE
- Systemic Thrombolysis: For more information click HERE
- Mechanical thrombectomy: For more information click HERE
Complications
Pulmonary Hypertension: For more information click HERE
Everyone will be at risk for PE at some point in life. Talk to your health care provider about your risk
Prevention
Overall, stay hydrated! Stay active! Maintain regular weight and live a healthy lifestyle. Recognizing individual risk and providing appropriate precautions is important. There are steps that can be taken to prevent PE during hospitalization or travel.
When hospitalized:
- Know what your risk is for developing a DVT/PE. Take a risk assessment. Click HERE
- Talk to your health care provider about your risk of PE and what can be done to help protect you.
- Get out of bed as soon as your health care provider recommends. Walking reduces the chance of developing a blood clot.
- Take medicines (low-dose blood thinners) that your health care provider prescribes to prevent blood clots.
- Use compression boots while in bed as your health care provider directs. These boots squeeze your legs to promote blood flow in the veins and help prevent DVT.
When traveling:
- Know your risk of DVT/PE. Take a risk assessment. Click HERE
- Walk up and down the aisles of the plane, bus or train. If traveling by car, stop about every 2 hours and walk around.
- Flex, stretch and move your legs and your feet to improve blood flow in your calves.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- If you have risk factors for DVT, your health care provider may advise you to wear compression stockings while traveling.
- If you have had DVT or PE previously, you may be prescribed a blood-thinning medicine before traveling.
