Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot in one of the blood vessels in your lung. This happens when a clot in another part of your body (often your leg or arm) moves through your veins to your lung. A PE restricts blood flow to your lungs, lowers oxygen levels in your lungs and increases blood pressure in your pulmonary arteries.

This condition is a medical emergency. Without quick treatment, a pulmonary embolism can cause heart or lung damage and even death. About 33% of people with a pulmonary embolism die before they get a diagnosis and treatment.

A pulmonary embolism can:

Damage your lungs.
Put strain on your heart, causing heart failure.
Be life-threatening, depending on the size of the clot.

With timely diagnosis and treatment, a PE is seldom fatal.

How common is a pulmonary embolism?

Pulmonary embolism is one of the most common heart and blood vessel diseases in the world. It ranks third behind heart attack and stroke. In the United States, about 900,000 people a year get a PE.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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