BRIDGEPORT -- Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot dislodges from a vein, travels through the body and lodges in the lung, doctors say.
The clot, or more commonly, clots, block the blood flow to parts of the lung, cutting off oxygen to the brain and body. Most blood clots (thrombus) form in one of the deep veins of the legs, thighs or pelvis. This condition is known as deep vein thrombosis.
PE can be deadly if not identified and treated promptly. In the United States, it is estimated that more than 50,000 people die every year as a result of the condition.
But timely treatment greatly reduces the risk of death, according to Dr. Rafael P. Squitieri, interim chairman of the Department of Cardiology and chief of cardiothoracic surgery at St. Vincent's Medical Center.
"People having symptoms need to get immediate medical care," Squitieri said. "Often, these clots can be dissolved with blood thinners and other treatment that can prevent it from escalating to a medical emergency or life-threatening event."
n Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism are:
Shortness of breath or needing to breathe rapidly.
Sharp, knife-like chest pain while taking a deep breath.
Coughing or coughing up blood.
Rapid heart rate
n Pulmonary embolism risk factors:
Inherited thrombophilia is a genetic problem that causes the blood to clot more easily than normal. Various factors in the blood clotting process may be involved, depending on the type of genetic problem present.
If a person is found to have a PE and there is no known medical condition or recent surgery that caused the condition, an inherited condition is possibly the underlying factor. This is especially true in people who have more than one PE or if a relative has also experienced it. In these cases, testing for inherited risk factors is often recommended, Squitieri said.
Medical conditions or medications can also bring on blood clots such as pregnancy, obesity, smoking, cancer, heart failure and age. Also, kidney problems, such as nephrotic syndrome and some birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy also increase the risk. Surgery and related conditions -- especially procedures involving the hip, pelvis or knee -- increase a person's risk of developing a blood clot. During the recovery period, this risk often continues because the person is less active. Inactivity during long trips can also increase a person's risk of developing a blood clot.
n Preventing pulmonary embolisms:
Certain high-risk patients undergoing surgery (especially bone, joint and cancer surgery) may be given anticoagulants to decrease the risk of developing a blood clot. Anticoagulants may also be given to women at high risk for venous thrombosis during and after pregnancy.
In surgical patients with a moderate to low risk of blood clots, other preventive measures may be used. For example, some surgical patients are fitted with inflatable compression devices worn around the legs during and immediately after surgery. The devices periodically fill with air and apply gentle pressure to improve circulation and help prevent clots.
For these patients, walking as soon as possible after surgery can decrease the risk of a blood clot. Also, those with increased risk of developing PE should avoid prolonged travel, which increases the risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. For everyone, the risks of developing PE include smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, obesity and genetics.