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Pulmonary embolism is a severe and life-threatening condition, caused when the pulmonary artery is blocked by foreign matter such as a blood clot (thrombus), fat, air or tumor tissue.
Causes & Development
Conditions that may contribute to pulmonary embolism include extended bed rest, surgery, cancer, paralysis and aging.
Signs & Symptoms
Although there are common symptoms, each individual may experience symptoms differently.
Signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism may be similar to those of a heart attack or a lung disorder such as pneumonia. Common symptoms include sudden chest pain, excessive perspiring, shock, cyanosis (bluish skin color), anxiety and loss of consciousness.
Diagnosis & Tests
Pulmonary embolism is difficult to diagnose. Non-invasive tests cannot be used in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. The physician must often eliminate the possibility of other lung diseases before determining that the condition is pulmonary embolism. A test called V/Q scan - a nuclear ventilation-perfusion study of the lungs - may be used, as well as a pulmonary angiography. New diagnostic methods are under investigation.
Treatment & Prevention
The immediate treatment for pulmonary embolism is anticoagulant therapy to dissolve the clot and return blood flow. Oxygen and sedatives may also be used to make the patient comfortable. Surgery to remove the embolism may also be performed.
Seek medical attention if
A doctor must be seen immediately if symptoms occur.
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Signs, symptoms & indicators of Pulmonary Embolism:
Risk factors for Pulmonary Embolism:
Preventive measures against Pulmonary Embolism:
KEY | | Weak or unproven link |  | | Strong or generally accepted link |  | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Anticoagulant
A substance that prevents or delays blood clots (coagulation). Examples: Heparin (endogenous), Dicumarol and
Warfarin (drugs), Melilotus (coumarin-containing).
Anxiety
Apprehension of danger, or dread, accompanied by nervous restlessness, tension, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath unrelated to a clearly identifiable stimulus.
Arterial (Arteries, Artery)
Blood that leaves the heart. When it leaves the right ventricle, it is venous blood; and when it leaves the left ventricle, through the aorta, it is fresh and oxygenated. After it has passed out to the capillaries and started to return, it is venous blood.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Embolism
Obstruction of a vessel by an abnormal body, usually a detached blood clot.
Lung (Lungs, Pulmonary)
Organ of the body, located in the chest cavity which is designed to bring oxygen from the air into the blood stream, while also expelling carbon dioxide and other waste gases out of the body. Pulmonary: Related to the lungs.
Pneumonia (Pneumonitis)
Inflammation, usually infectious, of the lungs. Unless the result of only moderate chemical or smoke irritation, it is a potentially life-threatening condition. There are so many defenses against an infection this deep in the body that the very presence of pneumonia signals a pathogen of great virulence or impaired or exhausted immunity, or all three. Pneumonitis: Inflammation of the lungs, from whatever cause. It may be concurrent with pneumonia or pleurisy.
Last updated: Apr 13, 2008
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