Clotting is a normal process that the body uses to prevent bleeding. But occasionally, certain factors can cause clots to form, break off, and travel to another area of the body. This is called an embolus. When one of these clots lodges itself in a blood vessel, it’s called an embolism. This is a serious issue, as it can block the blood supply to a particular organ.
A pulmonary embolism is specifically when a clot travels to a lung artery, blocking blood flow to these critical organs. Pulmonary embolisms often originate in blood vessels in the leg but can come from anywhere.
Pulmonary embolism is caused by deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg or pelvis. Once this clot dislodges and travels to the lung artery, the resulting blockage is when PE occurs. Symptoms of DVT can include pain, swelling, redness, or weakness of the affected leg.
In rare cases, multiple small PE’s can develop over time. This is known as thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. PE can also be caused by dislodged fat or air bubbles, but it is uncommon.
Now that you understand how PE occurs, it’s important to understand why. Your risk of blood clots can be increased by a variety of factors:
Center for Heart & Vascular Health
4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road
Suite 1E20
Newark, DE 19713