Pulmonary embolism means that there is a blood clot in the lungs. Some blood clots are very small and don’t cause any problems. Larger clots can lead to death. Clots can travel from the leg or arm veins. Death can occur because the clot blocks blood from going into the lungs, making it hard to breathe.
What are risks?
- Smoking
- Not being active or sitting for a long time (like when you’re sick, after surgery or a long plane trip)
- Broken bones
- Having blood that tends to clot easily
- Birth control pills
- Cancer
- Patients in the ICU are at higher risk for clots. Very sick people often have blood that is more prone to clot.
What are common symptoms?
- Chest pain that hurts worse when taking a deep breath
- Trouble breathing
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
- Fever
- Swollen, hot, and painful leg or arm
- Some people don’t have any symptoms
How is it diagnosed?
- Chest x-ray or CT scan
- An exam to look at blood flow in the lungs
- Ultrasound of the legs or arms to look for clots
- Tests to check oxygen levels in the blood
How is it treated?
- Medicines to thin the blood and break apart clots
- Oxygen
- Sometimes a small filter is put into the leg vein to trap blood clots before they get to the lungs
- To make sure the blood is not clotting or too thin; the staff will be testing the blood often
- After a few days when you are better, you will start taking a blood thinner pill. You will need a blood test every week for about six months. Some people need to take blood thinners every day of their life.