A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary artery, which supplies the blood to the lungs. Pulmonary embolism usually arises from a thrombus that originates in the deep venous system of the lower extremities; however, it rarely also originates in the pelvic, renal, upper extremity veins, or the right heart chambers. Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs It can damage part of the lung due to restricted blood flow, decrease oxygen levels in the blood, and affect other organs as well. Large or multiple blood clots can be fatal.
Risk Factors
- cancer
- a family history of embolisms
- fractures of the leg or hip
- hypercoagulable states or genetic blood clotting disorders, including Factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation, and elevated levels of homocysteine
- a history of heart attack or stroke
- major surgery
- obesity
- a sedentary lifestyle
- age over 60 years
- taking Oestrogen or testosterone
Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Clammy or bluish skin
- fainting
- irregular heartbeat
- lightheadedness
- chest pain, a sharp, stabbing pain that might become worse when breathing in increased or irregular heartbeat
- dizziness
- difficulty catching breath, which may develop either suddenly or over time
- rapid breathing
- a cough, normally dry but possibly with blood, or blood and mucus
Causes
- Fat from the marrow of a broken long bone
- Collagen or other tissue
- Part of a tumor
- Air bubbles
