What Could Cause Blood Clots In The Lungs – A Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a Blood clot in the leg that travels to the lungs and stays there. This can cause problems with blood flow and oxygen levels in the lungs. Medications can help most people with pulmonary embolism, but you need prompt diagnosis and treatment. You will need to take the medication for several months thereafter.
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot in the blood vessels of the lungs. This occurs when a blood clot in another part of the body, usually the legs or arms, travels through a vein to the lungs. PE restricts blood flow to the lungs, reducing oxygen levels in the lungs and increasing blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries.
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If diagnosed and treated properly, pulmonary embolism is rarely fatal. However, untreated pulmonary embolism can be serious and lead to other complications, including death. About 33% of people with pulmonary embolism die before they are diagnosed and treated.
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Pulmonary embolism is one of the most common heart and blood vessel diseases in the world. It ranks third after heart disease and stroke. Approximately 350, 000 people receive PE each year in the United States.
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The first symptoms of a pulmonary embolism are usually shortness of breath and chest pain, which can get worse if you strain or take deep breaths. You may cough up bloody mucus.
If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Pulmonary embolism is serious but easily treated. Rapid treatment can greatly reduce the chance of death.
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Symptoms of pulmonary embolism vary and depend on the severity of the blood clot. Although most people with pulmonary embolism experience symptoms, some do not.
Because you can have a blood clot and not have any symptoms, discuss your risk factors with your healthcare provider.
If you have any of these risk factors and develop a blood clot, talk to your healthcare provider so they can take steps to reduce your risk.
Pulmonary embolism treatment and length of hospital stay will vary, depending on the severity of the blood clot.
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Depending on the severity of the blood clot and its impact on other organs such as the heart, you may also receive thrombolysis, surgery, or interventional procedures to improve blood flow in the pulmonary arteries.
In most cases, treatment includes anticoagulant medications (blood thinners). Anticoagulants reduce the blood’s ability to clot. This can prevent future Blood Clots.
As with any medication, it is important to know how and when to take anticoagulants and to follow your healthcare provider’s guidelines.
Your diagnosis will determine the type of medication you will take, how long you will need to take it, and the type of follow-up monitoring you will need. Be sure to keep all scheduled follow-up appointments with your provider and laboratory so they can monitor your response to the medication.
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While taking anticoagulants, your follow-up will include frequent blood tests (prothrombin time test) to see how quickly your blood clots. This helps your provider know if you are taking the correct dose.
Compression stockings (support hose) improve blood flow in the legs. They are often used by people with deep vein thrombosis. You should use them as specified by the provider. Stockings, usually knee-length, compress the legs to prevent blood pooling.
Talk to your healthcare provider about how to use compression stockings, how long to use them, and how to care for them. Be sure to wash your compression socks as directed to prevent damage to them.
If a pulmonary embolism is life-threatening, or other treatments fail, your provider may recommend surgery or a catheter to remove the blood clot in the pulmonary artery. Thrombolytic therapy (next section) is another option.
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Thrombolytic drugs (“clot-busting agents”), including tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), can dissolve blood clots. People always receive thrombolysis in hospital intensive care units (ICUs), where medical staff can monitor them. You may receive this type of medication if you have special conditions, such as low blood pressure or instability due to a pulmonary embolism.
Bleeding is a possible side effect of medications used to treat pulmonary embolism. Your healthcare provider will give you the dose of anticoagulant or thrombolytic agent that is appropriate for your condition. Keeping you in the hospital allows them to monitor your condition.
Your provider may also recommend an interventional procedure, in which the healthcare provider places a filter inside the largest vein in your body. The vena cava filter catches blood clots before they enter the lungs.
If left untreated, pulmonary embolism is a very serious condition that can lead to permanent illness or death. With treatment, your prognosis depends on the size of the clot and blockage, as well as your overall health and your heart’s ability to pump blood.
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A pulmonary embolism can take months or years to completely resolve. Recurrent pulmonary embolisms or very large pulmonary embolisms may cause pulmonary hypertension in some people.
You will need to take blood thinners for three to six months or longer. Do not stop taking this medicine unless your healthcare provider directs you to stop taking it. If you are taking blood thinners, avoid doing things that could cause injury or bleeding.
Be sure to discuss and understand your follow-up care with your healthcare provider. Follow their recommendations to reduce the risk of another PE.
Keep all appointments with your provider and laboratory so they can monitor your response to prescribed treatments.
Pulmonary Embolism (pe): Symptoms, Signs & Treatment
Please check with your healthcare provider for a follow-up appointment. Contact your healthcare provider if you have black stools, severe headaches, or bruises that become larger while taking blood thinners. These may mean you are bleeding.
Treatment can help many people with pulmonary embolism, but rapid diagnosis and treatment is important. If you have risk factors for PE, watch for symptoms and do your best to prevent it. If you do have a pulmonary embolism, get help as soon as possible. Pulmonary embolism is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) lodges in the blood vessels of the lungs. PE usually begins with a blood clot in a deep vein in the leg (also called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) that breaks off and travels to the lungs. If left untreated, this can be life-threatening. .
While it’s not always possible to identify the cause, there are several factors that may increase the risk of PE:
The recommended treatment is anticoagulants, which are medications that thin the blood and prevent clots from growing larger. Over time, blood clots will naturally dissolve in your body. .
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In life-threatening situations, treatments that dissolve blood clots (called thrombolysis) may be used before starting anticoagulants. .
Although anticoagulant drugs are effective in treating pulmonary embolism, they can increase the risk of bleeding and side effects. You should seek medical attention if:
Recovery from PE varies; it may take several months to return to your previous level of health. You may still experience symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, and fatigue for weeks or months after a PE. If your symptoms don’t improve over time, further testing may be needed to determine the cause. In rare cases, pulmonary hypertension (a type of high blood pressure) may develop in the lungs, requiring expert assistance to manage. .
The duration varies from person to person, ranging from three months to a lifetime. This depends on several factors that our doctors will discuss with you during your appointment. .
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You may be able to return to work within a few weeks, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the nature of your work. Our doctors will advise you on when it is appropriate to return to work. .
The likelihood of developing another PE varies between patients. Our doctors will let you know if any additional tests are needed and provide further advice to reduce your risk of recurrent pulmonary embolism. This may include plans to continue anticoagulant therapy in cases where the risk of recurrence is higher. .
It is recommended that you avoid strenuous exercise after PE or any activity that increases the risk of bleeding while taking anticoagulants. If you feel well, you should resume your usual activities, such as walking. Bed rest may not be necessary. If you experience difficulty breathing or discomfort during activity, take adequate rest until you feel better. When your symptoms subside, you can begin to increase your activity…
You can contact the Clinical Hematology Clinic () to learn more about PE or our anticoagulant treatments.
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The information on the Center for Clinical Hematology website is for educational purposes only. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health professional.
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