What is pulmonary embolism?
A blood clot that obstructs and terminates blood flow to a lung artery is known as a pulmonary embolism. The blood clot typically begins in a deep vein in the leg and moves to the lung. In rare instances, the clot may form in a vein in a different area of the body. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the term used to describe a blood clot that develops in one or more of the body’s deep veins.
Pulmonary embolism can be fatal because one or more clots obstruct blood flow to the lungs. However, the chance of death is significantly decreased with early treatment. Taking precautions to prevent blood clots in your legs will help protect you against pulmonary embolism.
A blood clot that forms in a bodily blood vessel, usually in the leg, is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). After reaching a lung artery, it abruptly stops blood flow.
An embolus is a blood clot that starts in a blood vessel in one part of the body, breaks off, and moves via the blood to another part of the body. A blood artery may become lodged with an embolus. An organ’s blood supply may be cut off as a result. An embolism occurs when an embolus blocks a blood vessel. The circulatory system of the body is composed of the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins.
Causes
It is normal for blood to clot in order to stop bleeding. Blood clots are formed by the body and subsequently broken up. The body might not be able to dissolve a clot in some situations. This could lead to a major health issue.
There are several possible causes of blood clots in veins, including decreased blood flow, aberrant clot formation, or damage to the blood vessel wall.
Arteries and veins can develop blood clots. Venous clots are clots that occur in veins. Leg veins can be classified as deep veins, which are encircled by muscle and situated close to the bone, or superficial veins, which are found at the skin’s surface.
What signs of a pulmonary embolism are present?
- Breathlessness and chest aches that worsen with exertion or deep breathing are typically the initial symptoms of a pulmonary embolism.
- Pulmonary embolism symptoms might vary, depending on the severity of the blockage. Some persons with a pulmonary embolism do not have symptoms, even though the majority do.
Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism could include:
- Breathlessness that comes on suddenly, whether you’ve been moving or not.
- rapid respiration.
- Wheezing.
- Unexplained sharp pain in your chest, arm, back, shoulder, neck or jaw. The pain may be similar to
- symptoms of a heart attack and can get worse when you take a breath.
- Cough with or without bloody mucus.
- Pale, clammy or bluish skin.
- Rapid heartbeat (pulse).
- Excessive perspiration.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a Pulmonary Embolism To diagnose a pulmonary embolism, your doctor does a physical exam, asks about your symptoms and orders one or more tests such as:
Blood tests
Blood tests to check if you have an increased risk of blood clotting
Chest X-rays
Chest X-rays to take pictures of your heart and lungs CT pulmonary angiography, using X-rays and specialized computers to create cross-sectional
Doppler ultrasound
3D images of your lungs and pulmonary arteries Doppler ultrasound, using sound waves to look for deep vein thrombosis in your legs
Echocardiogram
Echocardiogram to view your heart’s structures and blood vessels Lab tests, such as pulse oximetry to measure oxygen levels in your blood Pulmonary angiogram, using a small, hollow tube and a contrast dye to see how blood flows through the pulmonary arteries.
Treatment
Pulmonary Embolism Treatment at Penn Medicine Rapid treatment for pulmonary embolism is critical for good outcomes.
Medications: Your doctor may prescribe drugs to dissolve the blood clot (thrombolytics) or blood thinners (anticoagulants).
Clot removal: A physician inserts a catheter through a blood vessel and guides it to your pulmonary arteries. They use special devices inserted through the catheter to break up the clot or pull it out of the artery. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement: We use a catheter to position a filter in your inferior vena cava, the main vein that carries blood from your legs to your heart. An IVC filter can help to catch emboli and prevent them from traveling to your heart or lungs.