Most embolisms happen to people who have risk factors for blood clot formation, such as smoking and heart disease. Other risk factors for other types of emboli include high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty plaque in the blood vessels), and high cholesterol.

The primary cause of most pulmonary embolisms is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is a condition in which the veins of the legs develop clots. Natural agents in the blood often dissolve small clots without causing any effects of blockage. Some clots are too big to dissolve and are big enough to block major blood vessels in the lungs or in the brain.

Factors that slow blood flow in the legs may promote clotting. People can develop a DVT or pulmonary emboli after sitting still on long flights or after immobilization of the leg in a cast, or after prolonged bed rest without moving the legs. Other factors associated with DVT or pulmonary embolism include cancer, previous surgery, a broken leg or hip, and genetic conditions affecting the blood cells that increase the chance of blood clot formation.

The symptoms of pulmonary embolism can be mild or severe. Some people have many small emboli that can only be detected by special X-ray techniques. A serious blockage, however, can lead to severe breathing difficulty or death.

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism appear suddenly and include:

• shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or wheezing
• bloody sputum
• cough
• lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• sharp chest pain or back pain

There are several tests that may be done to diagnose a pulmonary embolism. In addition to a chest X-ray, a ventilation perfusion (V/Q) scan may be performed to see if anything is blocking blood flow through the lungs. Other tests include CT scan or pulmonary angiography. For deep vein thrombosis, Doppler studies of the legs, venograms, or impedance plethysmography (IPG) of the veins may be done to detect a blood clot. For strokes, brain scans, angiography, or Doppler ultrasound studies may be used to detect arteries blocked by a blood clot.

The treatment for thromboembolism (blood clot embolism) involves anticoagulant or thrombolytic medications. Anticoagulants, such as heparin* or warfarin, are the main medications given for pulmonary embolism. Anticoagulants prevent further clotting of the blood. Thrombolytics such as alteplase and streptokinase help the body to dissolve the original clot.

The most effective way to prevent pulmonary embolism is to prevent DVTs from forming or starting to move in the blood vessels. If you have DVT, you may be prescribed an anticoagulant. Anticoagulants can also be given to people with DVT to prevent the condition. They can also protect against stroke.

Non-medication methods to help prevent DVT include using compression devices and compression stockings (to ensure blood doesn't pool in the legs), and frequently stretching, massaging, and moving your lower leg muscles if you are inactive for a long time. You can also reduce your risk factors for getting blood clots, for instance by quitting smoking and controlling your blood pressure.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2019. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Embolism