Could you be at risk for a pulmonary embolism?

Could you be at risk for a pulmonary embolism?

In the United States alone, up to 100,000 deaths each year are caused by a medical condition called pulmonary embolism. This condition is caused when any foreign material lodges in and obstructs the pulmonary artery or one of its branches.  Generally, the foreign material is a blood clot that embolizes or breaks loose from another part of the bloodstream and travels to the arteries in the lungs.

If the clot is in a deep vein such as in the thigh or lower leg, the condition is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The most serious complication of a DVT is pulmonary embolism.

What risk factors increase your chance for pulmonary embolism?

The primary reason for most pulmonary embolisms is due to DVT. DVT itself can have a variety of causes but whenever someone has a pulmonary embolism, the first thing most doctors look for as a cause is evidence of DVT.

If you have any of these risk factors or have had a previous blood clot, discuss with your healthcare provider on appropriate steps to take to reduce your risk.  The risk factors include the following:

·      Being inactive or immobile for long periods of time – examples include long airplane, car or train rides

·      Having certain inherited conditions such as blood clotting disorders or factor V Leiden

·      Anyone having surgery or has a broken bone – the risk is higher weeks following surgery or injury

·      Having cancer, a history of cancer or are receiving chemotherapy

·      Being bedridden or sitting for long periods of time

·      Being overweight or obese

·      Cigarette smoking

·      Being pregnant or having given birth in the previous six weeks

·      Taking birth control pills (oral contraceptives) or hormone replacement therapy

·      Having diseases such as stroke, paralysis, chronic heart disease, or high blood pressure

·      Having had a recent injury or trauma to a vein

·      Having had severe injuries, burns, or fractures of the hip or thigh bone

·      60 years of age or older

Why are pulmonary embolisms dangerous?

Pulmonary embolisms are very serious for the following reasons:

·      They can cause heart damage

·      They can damage part of the lung because of the lack of blood flow to lung tissue

·      They can cause low oxygen levels in the blood

·      They can damage other organs in the body because of lack of oxygen

·      They can cause death if the blood clot gets too large or if there are multiple blood clots

What signs or symptoms might alert you to a pulmonary embolism?

Anyone who has ever had a pulmonary embolism will have symptoms based on their individual circumstances and the severity of the blood clot.  Here are some symptoms however, for all of us to be aware of possibly indicating a pulmonary embolism:

·      Sudden shortness of breath

·      Problems with breathing

·      Chest pain

·      Coughing with or without bloody sputum (mucus)

·      An arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)

·      Swelling of the leg or along a vein in the leg

·      Pain or tenderness in the leg

·      Increased warmth in a leg that is swollen or painful

·      Red or discolored skin on the affected leg

·      Feelings of anxiety or dread

·      Bluish skin (cyanosis)

·      Lightheadedness or fainting

·      Rapid breathing

·      Sweating, clammy skin

·      Increased heart rate

Anytime anyone is experiencing any of the above symptoms, they need to see a doctor right away. Time is of the essence when it comes to a pulmonary embolism. Keep in mind though, that there can be patients who have a pulmonary embolism without any symptoms.