Understanding Pulmonary Embolism: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot blocks arteries in the lungs, often originating from deep veins in the legs. This blockage impairs blood flow and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Clots may originate elsewhere in rare cases. Immediate medical attention is essential to reduce risks. Preventive measures include managing blood clots in the legs and early detection to avoid complications.

Key symptoms of PE
Symptoms differ based on clot size and lung impact. Common signs include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain resembling a heart attack, cough with possible blood streaks, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, fever, discoloration of skin, leg pain, and swelling. Those with existing heart or lung conditions may experience more intense symptoms.

Causes of pulmonary embolism
PE occurs when a blood clot blocks a lung artery, commonly arising from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs. Multiple clots can develop over time, and blockage can happen due to air bubbles, fat, tumor fragments, or other substances, leading to critical conditions like pulmonary infarction, where oxygen delivery is severely compromised.

Risk factors for PE
While anyone can develop blood clots, certain factors elevate risk. Family history of clots, heart disease, cancer (notably lung, ovarian, or pancreatic), recent surgery, prolonged bed rest, smoking, obesity, pregnancy, and estrogen therapy increase vulnerability. These factors make vigilant monitoring and preventative care vital.

Diagnosing PE
Medical evaluation involves symptom review, physical exams, and imaging tests such as chest X-ray, ECG, MRI, CT scan, pulmonary angiography, ultrasound, or venography. Blood tests like D-dimer help identify clot presence, aiding accurate diagnosis.

Effective treatment strategies
Treatment depends on clot size and location. Early-stage PE often responds well to anticoagulants or thrombolytics. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary, including clot removal, placement of vena cava filters to trap clots, or open surgery for emergency bypass. Post-treatment, managing underlying causes with blood-thinning medications, compression stockings, and leg exercises is essential to prevent recurrence.