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Vascular Health

Pulmonary Embolism

When a clot travels to a lung artery

About Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

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.

What Causes Pulmonary Embolism?

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:

  • Heart disease.
  • Cancer, especially brain, ovarian, pancreatic, colorectal, stomach, lung, and kidney.
  • Chemotherapy related to cancer treatment.
  • Surgery.
  • Disorders that affect clotting.
  • Severe symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Extended periods of inactivity like long trips and bed rest.
  • Smoking.
  • Being overweight.
  • Supplemental estrogen.
  • Pregnancy.

What are the Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism?

Every person will experience PE differently, and may have any or all of these symptoms:

  • Sudden shortness of breath.
  • Chest pain (usually worse with breathing).
  • A feeling of anxiety.
  • A feeling of dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
  • Irregular heartbeat.
  • Palpitations (heart racing).
  • Coughing and/or coughing up blood.
  • Sweating.
  • Low blood pressure.

You may also have symptoms of DVT which include:

  • Pain in the affected leg.
  • Swelling in the leg.
  • Soreness, tenderness, redness, and/or warmth in the leg(s).
  • Redness and/or discolored skin.

Many PE symptoms resemble other conditions. It’s important to talk with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re at risk, it’s important to know the warning signs and know when to ask for help. If you’re experiencing pulmonary embolism symptoms, seek immediate treatment.

Related Content

The program offers a comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment that focuses on family history and genetics, along with personal and environmental factors.
This free cardiovascular risk assessment will take about 7 minutes to complete. At the end, you will receive personalized, strictly confidential information that will help you assess your current cardiovascular health status.

Schedule a Consultation

Speak with your primary care provider about your symptoms, and they may refer you. Or reach out to us directly and we’ll put you in touch with one of our vascular surgeons.

ChristianaCare Vascular Specialists

Center for Heart & Vascular Health
4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road
Suite 1E20
Newark, DE 19713

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