Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots that travel from the legs or other parts of the body.
Symptoms
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain that worsens with breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Cough (may produce bloody sputum)
- Dizziness or fainting
Causes
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Prolonged immobility
- Surgery
- Cancer
- Smoking and obesity
Treatments
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
- Thrombolytics (clot dissolvers)
- Surgical removal of clot
- Inferior vena cava filter
- Oxygen therapy
Prevention
- Stay active
- Use compression stockings
- Take blood thinners if at risk
- Avoid prolonged sitting
- Maintain a healthy weight