One in every 1000 Americans suffers from pulmonary embolism (PE). Pulmonary embolism happens when a blood clot lodges in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. The blood clot develops in another part of your body and then travels to the lungs during blood circulation, where it sticks in one of the arteries and blocks blood flow. Usually, the clots happen in the legs or hands due to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
In many cases, PE results from several small clots lodging in an artery. When they block the arteries, the lung regions which receive blood from these arteries do not receive the nourishment they need, and they die off eventually, which affects your lungs’ ability to provide oxygen to the rest of the body. In some rare instances, other things besides blood clots that can block lung arteries include air bubbles, fat coming from a broken bone’s marrow, and part of a tumor.
Who is at risk of developing pulmonary embolism?
Several risk factors increase your chances of developing a pulmonary embolism. The fact that there are many makes it essential you get regular screening from specialists and shows that many people can be affected. The main risk factor include:
Certain medical conditions and treatments
Some medical conditions increase your risk of developing PE. These include:
- Heart disease makes you more likely to form clots in your blood.
- Certain cancers, especially those affecting the ovary, brain, stomach, kidney, pancreas, colon, and lungs, increase the chances of clot formation. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and other medication further heighten the risk of clot formation.
- Surgery is a leading cause of clot formation to the point that it necessitates clot prevention medication after significant surgery.
- You could have inherited disorders that make your blood more prone to clotting.
- COVID-19 may be a risk factor since those who contract it have a high chance of developing pulmonary embolism.
Long periods of immobility
Spending time without moving prevents the smooth flow of blood to the lungs risking clotting.
- Bed rests – After illness or a medical procedure, you may be asked to rest or be confined to bed, leaving your extremities horizontal for a long time. It slows down the blood flow, making it pool in the legs resulting in blood clots.
- Long trips – Sitting down for extended periods in a cramped position, either in a plane or car, also slows down the blood clots.
Other risk factors include:
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Supplemental estrogen from birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy
- Pregnancy
When to get medical attention
Pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening and lead to complications, including heart disease and death. Around a third of people with undiagnosed and untreated pulmonary embolism die.
Fortunately, there is an effective medication. If you have any of the risk factors or develop PE symptoms like sudden shortness of breath, extra sweating, wheezing, rapid pulse, unexplained sharp pain in the chest, shoulder, arm, etc., you can contact Washington Vascular Specialists. We are experts in diagnosing and handling all kinds of vascular conditions, including pulmonary embolism. Do not ignore the symptoms and risk further complications. Contact us today.
