Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism refers to a blood clot (embolus) that has usually broken off and floats to the lungs causing a blockage of a blood vessel. Most blood clots that become pulmonary emboli originate as deep vein thrombus from the legs.
When a blood clot is formed in the pulmonary artery, it blocks the flow of blood into the lung that needs to pick up oxygen. If not enough blood gets oxygen, the oxygen level in the body can drop to dangerous levels which can lead to extra stress and damage to organs of the body. In addition, because of the blockage, there can be an excess of pressure on the right side of the heart which can lead to dysfunction of this area.
Risk factors for pulmonary embolisms include:
- Inherited blood clotting conditions
- Abnormal blood vessels, such as varicose veins
- Certain conditions such as cancer or heart disease
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Oral Contraceptive Pills / Hormonal Medications
- Prolonged period of immobility – i.e. long car rides, air flights; after major surgery or trauma
- Previous blood clot
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include:
- Shortness of breath (usually sudden)
- Chest pain
- Light-headedness
- Palpitations or rapid heart rate
- Haemoptysis (coughing up blood)
- Loss of consciousness
Pulmonary embolism is usually investigated with blood tests, ultrasound and CT scans with contrast (dye). An echocardiogram (type of ultrasound) of heart is often done to evaluate the severity of the blood clot on the heart.
The treatment of pulmonary embolism depends on the severity of the blood clot. A person with a pulmonary embolism may be managed at home with anticoagulation (blood thinning medications), may need to stay in hospital or go to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close observation and thrombolytics (clot busting medications). Most patients will need to remain on blood thinning medications for several months.
