Slightly after you have been breathing normally, do you feel like you’re going to drown? Even if you’re on dry land. The pulmonary embolism makes its mostly unwelcome announcement with this terrifying sensation. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels through the veins and blocks one of the arteries in the lungs that carry blood back to the heart. Each year, this dangerous condition affects thousands of Americans and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Allow us to explore this serious medical condition by answering some of the key questions about its causes and risk factors.
Why did Blood Clots travel to the Pulmonary Arteries?
Pulmonary embolism is most frequently caused by blood clots (which are simply clots of blood), formed in the deep veins of the legs (a condition called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT). Physical traits, such as these clots breaking free and travelling the bloodstream to the lungs, which they are prone to, are physical traits.
- A blood clot’s journey takes place on a specific path.
- Forms in a deep vein (usually in the legs)
- Travelling through larger veins, it breaks loose.
- Passes through the right side of the heart
It enters the pulmonary trunk (the main artery of the blood that passes through the heart to the lungs).
Small pulmonary arteries cannot accommodate their size and get stuck in them.
Since all blood passes through the lungs to pick up oxygen, all blood-borne clots will eventually end up in the pulmonary vessels unless they dissolve along the way. The pulmonary arteries branch so closely, creating trap points that clots can get wedged on the narrowing sections and stop blood flow to the tissue of some of this lung.
What Factors make a Patient at greater risk of having a Pulmonary Embolism?
Other things that can raise your risk of having blood clots that could develop into pulmonary embolism include:
Risk Category | Specific Risk Factors |
Medical Conditions | • Cancer, Heart disease, COVID-19 infection and Inflammatory bowel disease |
Situational | • Recent surgery or trauma, Extended bed rest, Long-distance travel |
Medications | • Hormone replacement therapy and Birth control pills containing estrogen |
Personal Factors | • Pregnancy and postpartum period, Advanced age, Obesity and Smoking |
A landmark study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that cancer patients had an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism (Venous thromboembolism includes pulmonary embolism) (Khorana et al., 2007).
How does a Blood clot impact the Pulmonary Trunk and lung function?
When a blood clot lodges in the pulmonary trunk or any of the pulmonary arteries, it begins a chain reaction of events.
- Blocks blood flow to portions of the lungs
- Prevents proper oxygen exchange
- Increases pressure in pulmonary vessels
- Works harder than normal, causing the right side of the heart to work harder.
- In severe cases, it can lead to right heart failure.
However, the symptoms depend on the size and location of the clot. Small clots in peripheral pulmonary arteries may cause little, if any, symptoms, and large clots that block the pulmonary trunk would be immediately life-threatening.
Can a Pulmonary Embolism present before there are Symptoms?
Weirdly, many sufferers of pulmonary artery blockages often present with little or subtle symptoms, which are more likely to be confused with other things. Common symptoms include:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Pain that intensifies with forceful exhaling
- Rapid heart rate
- Cough (sometimes with bloody sputum)
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
Nevertheless, it is estimated that up to 30–50% of pulmonary embolism cases are asymptomatic. Its silent nature makes it particularly dangerous because treatment delays compound mortality risk.
Why Early Screening for Pulmonary Embolism Can Be Life-Saving
Preventing the formation of blood clots is the best way to avoid pulmonary embolism. If you have risk factors, consider these preventive measures.
- Do Not Sit Still – don’t sit for excessive periods
- Stay hydrated, especially when travelling
- Choose compression stockings for long flights
If prescribed, follow what your doctor recommends regarding blood thinners
Early detection is key to identifying concerning risk factors or symptoms. Viascan provides advanced imaging services that can help identify pulmonary embolism before it becomes life-threatening. Their latest CT pulmonary angiography can also detect even small clots in the pulmonary arteries, which can be addressed quickly and as soon as possible.
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Conclusion
Preventive screening is also offered via the Preventive Screen, which will help identify factors that are at risk of blood clots and cardiovascular disease so that you can take action to protect your health. All via the expertise of expert radiologists with convenient locations, this is how you know exactly where you stand when it comes to your pulmonary health status.
When it comes to pulmonary embolism, don’t wait until the symptoms are severe; understand your risk factors and seek appropriate screening early to save your life.