In the human body, deoxygenated blood travels from the heart to the lungs through the pulmonary artery. The lungs then supply the blood with oxygen before it travels back to the heart and is subsequently pumped to the rest of the body.
If a blood clot is caught in any of the arteries that transport the blood from the heart to the lungs, the condition is referred to as a pulmonary embolism. What causes pulmonary embolisms, who is at risk of developing the condition, and what are the available treatment options? Read on to learn more about pulmonary embolisms.
What is a pulmonary embolism?
Pulmonary embolism refers to blood clots in the lungs. This happens when a blood clot or septic embolism from a different body part travels through the bloodstream until it is lodged in blood vessels found in the lung. A pulmonary embolism lowers the lung’s oxygen levels, reduces the flow of blood to the lungs, and increases the pulmonary artery’s blood pressure. Without proper and timely medical intervention, PEs can result in lung and heart damage or even death.
Who is at risk of developing a pulmonary embolism?
The following groups stand a greater risk of developing PEs;
• People who are inactive for long, especially those who travel long distances via trains, cars, and planes.
• People with a stroke or heart failure history
• Obese and overweight individuals
• Pregnant women and new mothers 9up to around six weeks after birthing)
• Individuals on hormone replacement therapy or oral birth control pills
• Patients who’ve had a procedure involving placing a central venous catheter in the leg or
arm
What are the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?
The symptoms can be present or absent depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the common symptoms are;
• Shortness of breath –both when active and resting
• Sharp pain in the neck, chest, arm, shoulder, or jaw
• Increased heartbeat and pulse
• Excessive sweating
• Lightheadedness, fainting, and passing out
• Wheezing
How are pulmonary embolisms detected?
A pulmonary embolism may be diagnosed through any of the following tests and procedures;
• Lung scan
• Pulmonary angiogram
• Computer tomography scan
• Blood tests like the D-dimer test
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lungs or legs
• Leg ultrasound – usually used on patients who are too sick to leave the hospital bed and those who can’t get an X-ray exam
How are pulmonary embolisms treated?
As mentioned, early treatment intervention is vital to the success of the procedure. The treatment length varies depending on the blood clot’s severity. Common pulmonary embolism treatments include;
1. Anticoagulant medications
Anticoagulant medications or blood thinners are the most common treatment used to remedy PEs. These medications reduce the blood’s ability to form clots. These medications may include warfarin, heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, and fondaparinux.
2. Compression stockings
Compression stockings help regularize blood flow in the legs and are usually prescribed on a need basis. The stockings are knee-length and compress the legs, thus preventing blood pooling.
3. Thrombolytic therapy
Thrombolytic medications like plasminogen activator (TPA) are used to help dissolve blood clots. These medications are given at the hospital, where the doctors can closely monitor you. Additionally, the medicines are mainly used in specific situations, like when the patient is unstable or has low blood pressure.
Where can you seek pulmonary embolism treatment?
Your best chance of treating pulmonary embolism is with timely professional intervention. Washington Vascular Specialists offers state-of-the-art pulmonary embolism management and treatment services. The medical teams are well equipped, with both experience and relevant treatment knowledge.
In addition, Washington Vascular Specialists clinics are equipped with the latest medical equipment and technology to help screen, diagnose, manage, and treat pulmonary embolisms.
