Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot gets lodged in an artery in the lung, blocking blood flow to part of the lung. Blood clots most often originate in the legs and travel up through the right side of the heart and into the lungs.
Symptoms
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Sharp chest pain, worse with breathing or coughing
- Fast heartbeat
- Coughing, possibly with blood
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Leg swelling or pain (possible DVT sign)
Seek emergency care if you experience these symptoms.
Diagnosis & Testing
Doctors diagnose pulmonary embolisms with imaging tests like CT scans, ultrasound of the legs, and blood tests to detect clot-related proteins.
Treatment
- Blood Thinners: Prevent clots from growing or forming.
- Clot-Busting Drugs: Used in severe cases to quickly dissolve clots.
- Surgical Procedures: In critical cases, doctors may remove the clot or place a filter in a large vein to prevent further clots.
Prevention & Management
To lower your risk, stay active, wear compression stockings, avoid smoking, and manage conditions like high blood pressure and obesity. If at high risk, your doctor may prescribe blood thinners.
