Disease
Pulmonary Embolism
Overview of Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a serious medical condition that occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks a pulmonary artery. This interruption in blood flow can damage lung tissue and lower oxygen levels in the body. Most often, these clots originate from deep veins in the legs — a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical, as untreated PE can be life-threatening.
Types of Pulmonary Embolism
- Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Sudden blockage of a pulmonary artery; symptoms appear quickly and need emergency care.
- Chronic Pulmonary Embolism: Repeated or unresolved clots that cause long-term pressure in pulmonary arteries.
- Massive Pulmonary Embolism: A large clot causing serious drop in blood pressure and risk of shock.
- Submassive Pulmonary Embolism: Moderate blockage with heart strain but no significant drop in blood pressure.
- Saddle Pulmonary Embolism: A rare but life-threatening clot that lodges at the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
- Sudden shortness of breath, even at rest.
- Sharp chest pain that may worsen with deep breaths.
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations.
- Lightheadedness or fainting spells.
- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis).
- Feeling anxious or restless for no reason.
- Pain or swelling in the leg, especially the calf.
- Bluish lips or skin in severe cases.
Causes of Pulmonary Embolism
- Blood clots traveling from deep veins (usually in the legs).
- Long periods of immobility (post-surgery, long flights, bed rest).
- Injury or trauma to veins.
- Surgery (especially orthopedic or pelvic surgeries).
- Cancer and cancer treatments.
- Pregnancy and childbirth.
- Hormone therapy or birth control pills.
- Inherited blood clotting disorders.
Complications in Pulmonary Embolism
- Permanent damage to lung tissue (pulmonary infarction).
- Decreased oxygen levels leading to organ dysfunction.
- Increased pressure in pulmonary arteries (pulmonary hypertension).
- Recurrence of embolism if untreated.
- Heart failure in severe or chronic cases.
- Sudden cardiac arrest or death in untreated massive PE.
Risk Factors of Pulmonary Embolism
- Recent surgery or trauma.
- Long-term immobility (travel, hospitalization).
- History of blood clots or DVT.
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle.
- Smoking and excessive alcohol intake.
- Use of estrogen-containing medications.
- Advanced age or genetic clotting disorders.
- Chronic diseases such as heart failure or cancer.
Preventions of Pulmonary Embolism
- Stay physically active, especially during long travel or recovery.
- Use compression stockings if advised post-surgery.
- Take blood thinners if prescribed by your doctor.
- Drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Elevate legs when sitting for long periods.
- Avoid smoking to reduce clot risks.
- Follow postoperative movement guidelines strictly.
- Manage chronic conditions such as obesity, hypertension, or diabetes.
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism
- D-dimer blood test to detect clot breakdown fragments.
- CT Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) to visualize clots in lungs.
- Ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan for patients unable to undergo CT.
- Ultrasound of legs to check for DVT.
- ECG to rule out other causes like heart attack.
- Chest X-ray to assess lung and heart condition.
- Arterial blood gas (ABG) to evaluate oxygen levels.
- Pulmonary angiography in complex or high-risk cases.
Treatments of Pulmonary Embolism
- Anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) to prevent clot growth.
- Thrombolytic therapy (clot busters) in life-threatening cases.
- Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter to stop clots from reaching lungs.
- Surgical or catheter-based clot removal in severe PE.
- Oxygen therapy for breathing support.
- Pain and anxiety medications as needed.
- Long-term anticoagulation to prevent recurrence.
- Management of underlying conditions like DVT or heart disease.
Prognosis of Pulmonary Embolism
- Early diagnosis and prompt treatment greatly improve outcomes.
- Most patients recover completely with proper therapy.
- Lifelong anticoagulant therapy may be needed in recurrent cases.
- Some may experience chronic breathlessness due to lung damage.
- Mortality is high in untreated or massive PE, but preventable.
- Close follow-up is essential to avoid recurrence and complications.
Care at MyhealthMydoctor
- Personalised case assessment and risk profiling.
- Swift connection with top cardiologists and pulmonologists.
- Advanced imaging and diagnostic facilities.
- Access to minimally invasive PE treatment options.
- 24/7 patient support throughout treatment and recovery.
- Guidance on prevention and lifestyle modification.
- Seamless visa, travel, and accommodation assistance for international patients.
- Affordable treatment packages with top-rated hospitals in India.
Some Important Questions Patients Should Ask Their Doctor During a Consultation
- Do I need lifelong blood thinners?
- Can pulmonary embolism come back again?
- What are the side effects of anticoagulants?
- Is it safe to travel with a history of PE?
- Can PE cause permanent damage to my lungs?
What Patients Expect from Doctors During Consultation?
- A clear explanation of what pulmonary embolism means.
- Guidance on necessary tests and how they help in diagnosis.
- An honest discussion of treatment options and their side effects.
- Information on medication safety, dosage, and duration.
- Reassurance about recovery, long-term care, and prevention.
- Support for managing anxiety or fear related to the condition.
- Instructions on safe physical activity and work resumption.
- Education on recognizing early warning signs of recurrence.