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A pulmonary embolism occurs when one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs gets blocked. Often, pulmonary embolisms are caused by blood clots that enter the lungs via deep leg veins or, in some cases, from veins in other areas of the body.
It can be fatal because the blood clots prevent blood circulation to the lungs. However, early diagnosis and treatment reduce the risk. The risk of developing pulmonary embolism can be reduced by taking steps to avoid blood clots in the legs.
The symptoms of pulmonary embolism differ depending on the size of a blood clot and if a person has underlying heart or lung disease. Common symptoms of pulmonary embolism include:
Pulmonary embolism is commonly caused when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lung. In most cases, these blood clots form in the deep veins of a person’s leg and move to the arteries. This condition is called deep vein thrombosis.
Pulmonary embolism frequently involves many clots. Each clogged artery drains blood from the regions of the lung it supplies, which might be life-threatening. This is referred to as a pulmonary infarction. This makes it harder for the lungs to supply oxygen to the rest of the body. Apart from blood clots, other substances can also obstruct blood arteries, including:
Diagnosis of pulmonary embolism can be difficult, especially for those with underlying heart or lung illness. Because of this, the doctor will probably inquire about a patient’s health history, conduct a physical examination, and request one or more of the following tests:
The aim of pulmonary embolism treatment is to stop the blood clot from becoming larger and from re-forming. Immediate treatment is necessary to avoid major consequences or complications.
An embolism in the lungs may be fatal. Undiagnosed and untreated pulmonary embolisms can cause about one-third of patients to die. But when the problem is identified and properly treated, that number reduces.
In addition to pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, characterised by excessively high blood pressure in the right side of the heart and the lungs, can result from pulmonary embolism.
When the arteries in the lungs are blocked, the heart is forced to work harder to pump the blood through it, raising blood pressure and eventually weakening the heart.
In a few cases, small emboli commonly occur and grow over time, leading to chronic pulmonary hypertension (also known as chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension).
Pulmonary embolism can be avoided by preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs. To avoid blood clots, doctors generally take proactive measures, such as:
Reviewed by Dr. Inder Mohan Chugh - Senior Director, Pulmonology.
Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
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