Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

Blood clots can form anywhere in the body, and in the case of pulmonary embolism, a blood clot forms in a blood vessel in the lung and causes serious problems.

Pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism is an emergency condition that occurs when a blood clot blocks one of the blood vessels in the lungs. As a result, the blood flow to the lungs decreases, which reduces the oxygen in the lungs and increases the blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, and that could cause lung or heart damage, or even death, if it isn’t managed rapidly.

Pulmonary embolism is the third most common heart and blood vessel disease after heart attack and stroke.

Causes and risk factors leading to pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism occurs when something blocks a blood vessel in the lung, and in most cases it’s a blood clot, which often comes from a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Other possible causes of this blockage include air bubbles, fat that comes from the interior of a broken long bone, and a part of a tumor.

The factors that increase the risk of PE include:

• Medical history or family history of blood clots.
• Having other medical conditions, such as heart and blood vessel disease, certain cancers, disorders that affect the clotting process, diabetes, and coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.
• Surgeries, which are a leading cause of blood clots.
• Long periods of inactivity, such as being on bed rest due to medical reasons and extended sitting on long trips.
• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Pregnancy.
• Hormonal replacement therapy or birth control pills that contain estrogen.

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism can vary among patients, and some people might get mild symptoms at first, and then they worsen gradually, while others could get intense symptoms immediately.

• Common symptoms of PE include shortness of breath and chest pain.
• Other symptoms of PE include fast breathing, irregular heartbeat, cough that might be accompanied by blood, wheezing, fever, excessive sweating, pale or bluish skin, pain or swelling in the leg, lightheadedness, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
• If pulmonary embolism isn’t managed quickly, it could lead to pulmonary hypertension, stroke, heart attack, pulmonary infarction (the death of the lung tissue), and death.

Diagnosis of pulmonary embolism

• Blood tests.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of pulmonary embolism

• Blood thinners (anticoagulants).
• Procedures to remove the clot.

Prevention of pulmonary embolism

• Regular physical activity.
• When traveling or sitting for a long time, try to take a break from sitting or move your body as much as you can.
• Wear compression stockings if needed.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid smoking.
• Elevate your legs when possible.
• Avoid crossing the legs and wearing tight-fitting clothes.