Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, most often caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or other parts of the body (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT). PE can be life-threatening because the clots can block blood flow to the lungs.
Symptoms

– Shortness of breath: This symptom usually appears suddenly and always gets worse with exertion.
– Chest pain: You may feel like you’re having a heart attack. The pain can become worse when you breathe deeply (pleurisy), cough, eat, bend, or stoop.
– Cough: The cough may produce bloody or blood-streaked sputum.

Risk Factors
– Prolonged immobility: Long trips in a car or plane, or bed rest due to surgery or illness.
– Medical history: Previous DVT or PE, heart disease, cancer, surgery, especially hip or knee replacement surgery.
– Genetic factors: Certain inherited disorders that increase blood clotting.
– Other factors: Smoking, being overweight, supplemental estrogen, pregnancy, and COVID-19.
Diagnosis

– **D-dimer test**: Measures a substance in the blood that’s released when a blood clot breaks up.
– **Imaging tests**: CT pulmonary angiography, V/Q scan, ultrasound of the legs, or MRI.
– **Blood tests**: Measure blood oxygen levels and other markers that might indicate a PE.

### Treatment
– **Anticoagulants**: These blood thinners help prevent new clots and keep existing clots from growing.
– **Thrombolytics**: These clot-dissolving medications are used in emergency situations.
– **Surgical and other procedures**: In severe cases, a catheter may be used to remove the clot, or a vein filter (IVC filter) may be placed to prevent clots from reaching the lungs.

### Prevention
– **Blood thinners**: Used after certain types of surgery or in people at high risk.
– **Compression stockings**: Prevent DVTs in the legs.
– **Lifestyle changes**: Regular exercise, quitting smoking, and weight management.

Prompt medical attention is crucial if PE is suspected to reduce the risk of serious complications or death.