This book describes Blood Clot in Lungs, Diagnosis and Treatment and Related Diseases

Blood Clot in the Lungs (Pulmonary embolism or PE) is a serious possibly life-threatening disorder due to sudden blockage in a lung artery.

The blockage normally is produced by a blood clot (embolus) that travels to the lung from a vein in the leg (deep vein thrombosis).

Pulmonary embolism is a serious disorder that can:

a. Damage part of the lung because of a lack of blood flow to the lung tissue.
This damage may cause pulmonary hypertension (high pressure in the pulmonary arteries).

b. Cause low oxygen levels in the blood.

c. Damage other organs in the body because of a lack of oxygen.

If a blood clot is massive or if there are many blood clots, pulmonary embolism can cause death.

Pulmonary embolism is a complication of a disorder called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

In DVT, blood clots develop in the deep veins of the body most often in the legs.

These clots can break free, travel through the bloodstream to the lungs and block an artery there.

Deep vein clots are not like clots in the superficial veins (varicose vein thrombosis).

These clots stay in place and do not cause Pulmonary embolism.

Risk Factors of Pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) happens equally in men and women.

1. The risk rises with age.

For each period of 10 years after age 60, the risk of having Pulmonary embolism doubles.

2. Certain inherited disorders, such as factor V Leiden, raise the risk of blood clotting and PE.

3. Previous history of Pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a history of DVT.

In DVT, blood clots form in the deep veins of the body most often in the legs, break free, travel through the bloodstream to the lungs and block an artery.

4. Being bedridden or unable to move around much

5. Having surgery or breaking a bone (the risk goes up in the weeks after the surgery or injury)

6. Having certain diseases or disorders such as a stroke, paralysis (an inability to move), chronic heart disease or high blood pressure

7. Smoking

8. People who have recently been treated for cancer or who have a central venous catheter are more prone to develop DVT which increases their risk for PE.

A central venous catheter is a tube placed in a vein to permit easy access to the bloodstream for medical treatment.

9. Inactivity such as sitting for long periods (such as during long car or airplane rides),

10. Pregnancy and the 6-week period after pregnancy

11. Being overweight or obese.

12. Women who take hormone therapy pills or birth control pills also are at higher risk for DVT.

Mild pulmonary embolism (PE) may not have any signs or symptoms.

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE) are:
1. Unexplained shortness of breath, problems breathing,
2. Chest pain,
3. Sudden cough, possibly coughing up blood or bloody mucus

Multi-detector-row CTA (MDCTA) is the criterion standard for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary angiography is the criterion standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism when MDCTA is not available

Pulmonary embolism is treated with medicines, surgical interventions and other therapies.

The main purposes of treating blood clots in the lungs are to stop the blood clot from getting bigger and keep new clots from forming.

Treatment may involve:
Medicines to thin the blood and slow its ability to clot.
Medicines to dissolve blood clot
Mechanical thrombolysis
Surgical treatment (embolectomy)
Vena cava filters

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