Pulmonary embolism (PE) is when a blood clot becomes lodged in a blood vessel of the lungs, blocking blood flow. It can be deadly if not treated quickly enough.
The symptoms of PE can vary depending on where the clot is in the lungs and a person’s overall health. Not everyone has every symptom. These include:
The clot which forms a pulmonary embolus usually starts elsewhere in the body, often in a vein in the leg. In rare cases, it can start in the arm. Sometimes a clot in the arm or leg stays put, but other times, it breaks off and goes to another location in the body. If it becomes trapped in the lungs, it’s called a pulmonary embolus.
Clots can also form because of:
The primary risk factor for developing a blood clot is sitting or lying still for a long time. This is why it’s advised that people get up and move around from their airplane seat at least every two hours while on a long plane ride. The same thing should be done for other types of transportation, such as long car rides, bus rides, or train rides.
Other risk factors include:
A healthcare provider may request the following tests to diagnose a PE:
Pulmonary embolus is a serious health condition and can cause death if not treated.
Other complications can include:
There are several options for treatment. Depending on how quickly the PE was diagnosed and a patient’s other medical conditions, one or more of the following may be recommended:
The best prevention for pulmonary embolism is to not get a clot in the first place. Eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, and not smoking help. Follow all instructions for movement after a surgical operation and take all medications as prescribed. Do not forget to stand from seats and walk at least every two hours on long-haul trips.