What is Pulmonary Embolism?
Pulmonary Embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot, usually from the deep veins in the legs (Deep Vein Thrombosis, DVT), travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. This blockage can cause severe breathing problems and strain on the heart.
Causes and Risk Factors
PE typically results from blood clots that form in the deep veins and travel to the lungs. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A clot in the legs or pelvis that dislodges and moves to the lungs.
- Prolonged Immobility: Extended periods of inactivity, such as long flights, bed rest, or hospitalization.
- Blood Clotting Disorders: Genetic or acquired conditions that increase clot formation.
- Recent Surgery: Especially major surgeries like joint replacement or abdominal procedures.
- Pregnancy: Increased clotting risk due to hormonal changes.
- Smoking: Contributes to vascular damage and clot formation.
- Cancer: Some cancers and chemotherapy treatments raise clotting risks.
- Hormone Therapy: Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can increase clotting risks.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
PE symptoms can develop suddenly and may be severe. Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of Breath: Sudden difficulty breathing, even at rest.
- Chest Pain: Sharp pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing.
- Rapid Heart Rate (Tachycardia): The heart beats faster to compensate for reduced oxygen levels.
- Coughing Up Blood (Hemoptysis): May occur in severe cases.
- Lightheadedness or Fainting: Caused by reduced oxygen delivery to the brain.
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience severe symptoms, as PE can be life-threatening.
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism
PE is diagnosed using a combination of imaging and blood tests:
- CT Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA): The most common test to detect clots in the lungs.
- Ventilation-Perfusion (V/Q) Scan: Measures air and blood flow in the lungs.
- D-Dimer Test: A blood test that detects clot fragments.
- Ultrasound of the Legs: Checks for DVT as a source of the embolism.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Helps rule out heart-related causes of chest pain.
Treatment and Management
PE treatment focuses on breaking up existing clots and preventing new ones. Options include:
- Medications:
- Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants): Prevent new clots from forming.
- Thrombolytics (Clot-Busting Drugs): Used in severe cases to dissolve clots quickly.
- Medical Procedures:
- Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter: A device placed in the vein to prevent clots from reaching the lungs.
- Catheter-Based Clot Removal: Minimally invasive procedure to remove large clots.
- Lifestyle Modifications:
- Staying active and avoiding prolonged immobility.
- Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking.
- Wearing compression stockings to improve circulation.
- Staying hydrated to reduce blood viscosity.
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