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 pulmonary arteries, which carry blood from the heart to the lungs. 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). These clots can break free and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs.

• 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

 

People with cancer have a higher risk of blood clots, including pulmonary embolism.

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
• Chest pain that gets worse when you breathe in deeply or cough
• Rapid heart rate
• Cough (sometimes with bloody sputum)
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy

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

Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood or fainting can be signs of a pulmonary embolism. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department straight away. A pulmonary embolism is diagnosed in hospital, usually with a CT pulmonary angiogram.

Conclusion

When it comes to pulmonary embolism, don’t wait until the symptoms are severe; understand your risk factors and know your risk factors, ask your doctor about prevention if you are at higher risk, and get emergency help immediately if symptoms start