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Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in an artery in the lung. It’s often caused by blood clots that formed elsewhere in the body and traveled to the lung. Most blood clots come from the legs (See Deep Vein Thrombosis). A pulmonary embolism can cause sudden death.

Diagnosis

These tests can help diagnose a pulmonary embolism:

• Physical exam
• CT scan
• Blood tests
• Lung functioning tests
• Electrocardiogram
  
• Ultrasound

Symptoms

Pulmonary embolism may cause some of these symptoms, but other conditions may cause the same symptoms. Seek medical help if you have any of these problems:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain that may or may not spread to the shoulder, arm, neck or jaw
• Coughing up blood
• Very fast heartbeat
• Weak pulse
• Wheezing
• Swelling in the leg
• Clammy or bluish skin
• Anxiety
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Fever

Treatment

Treatment includes clot-dissolving drugs and high doses of oxygen. If your doctor believes you may have another pulmonary embolism, he or she may recommend:

• Anticoagulants (blood-thinning drugs)
• Wearing special stockings
• Avoiding lying still for long periods of time
• Practicing deep breathing and coughing exercises

Risk Factors

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• History of DVT
• Being bedridden and not moving for a long time
• Having surgery
• Breaking a bone
• Stroke
• Paralysis
• High blood pressure
  
• Chronic heart disease
• Cancer
• Inherited blood clotting disorders
• Smoking

Related Links

Vanderbilt Hematology