Pulmonary embolism
What is pulmonary embolism?
Pulmonary embolism is the medical term for a blood clot that travels to the pulmonary artery. The condition usually causes the sudden onset of chest pain and difficulty breathing. It can also cause you to cough up blood. Pulmonary embolism is a leading cause of death in the United states.
Due to the importance of this condition, it is critical that patients understand its causes, symptoms, and treatment. By the end of this article, you will have the answers to these essential questions:
• What causes pulmonary embolism?
• How common is pulmonary embolism?
• What are the symptoms and signs of pulmonary embolism?
• How is pulmonary embolism diagnosed?
• How is pulmonary embolism treated?
What …show more content…
If your doctor suspects pulmonary embolism based on symptoms and signs, they may call 911 and direct you to the nearest emergency department for further evaluation. This is a medical emergency that typically requires hospitalization.
In the hospital they will order an EKG (electrocardiogram) and ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram) to evaluate the heart’s function and structure. One of the most commonly used studies to confirm a pulmonary embolism is called a CT angiography – a CT scan evaluating for interruptions of blood flow to the lungs. Occasionally, your doctor will order a study called a V/Q scan, which looks for ventilation and perfusion abnormalities in the lung.
Your doctor will also likely order blood tests such as an arterial blood gas, CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel), CBC (complete blood cell count), and coagulation studies (PT/INR, PTT). If they think you could have systemic lupus erythematosus they will typically order an antinuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-double-stranded DNA antibody (anti-DS DNA).
Your doctor will also usually evaluate for genetic disorders that lead to blood clot formation. These …show more content…
• It is typically caused by a blood clot originating the lower limbs called deep vein thrombosis.
• Risk factors include prior history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, prolonged immobility, recent hip surgery, cancer, genetic defects (prothrombin mutation, antithrombin deficiency, factor V–Leiden, protein C & S deficiency), certain medications (oral contraceptives).
• The most common symptoms are chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), and wheezing.
• The diagnosis usually requires a CT angiogram or V/Q scan. Your doctor will also likely order an ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram) and EKG.
• If you have severe pulmonary embolism with signs of heart strain, your doctor will likely administer a thrombolytic (tissue plasminogen activator). You may also require an interventional procedure such as thrombectomy.
• Other medications frequently used to treat pulmonary embolism include heparin or Lovenox (enoxaparin).
• Long term oral blood thinners are often necessary. These include: warfarin (Coumadin), Xarelto (rivaroxaban), Eliquis (apixaban), and Pradaxa (dabigatran).
What is pulmonary embolism?
Pulmonary embolism is the medical term for a blood clot that travels to the pulmonary artery. The condition usually causes the sudden onset of chest pain and difficulty breathing. It can also cause you to cough up blood. Pulmonary embolism is a leading cause of death in the United states.
Due to the importance of this condition, it is critical that patients understand its causes, symptoms, and treatment. By the end of this article, you will have the answers to these essential questions:
• What causes pulmonary embolism?
• How common is pulmonary embolism?
• What are the symptoms and signs of pulmonary embolism?
• How is pulmonary embolism diagnosed?
• How is pulmonary embolism treated?
What …show more content…
If your doctor suspects pulmonary embolism based on symptoms and signs, they may call 911 and direct you to the nearest emergency department for further evaluation. This is a medical emergency that typically requires hospitalization.
In the hospital they will order an EKG (electrocardiogram) and ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram) to evaluate the heart’s function and structure. One of the most commonly used studies to confirm a pulmonary embolism is called a CT angiography – a CT scan evaluating for interruptions of blood flow to the lungs. Occasionally, your doctor will order a study called a V/Q scan, which looks for ventilation and perfusion abnormalities in the lung.
Your doctor will also likely order blood tests such as an arterial blood gas, CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel), CBC (complete blood cell count), and coagulation studies (PT/INR, PTT). If they think you could have systemic lupus erythematosus they will typically order an antinuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-double-stranded DNA antibody (anti-DS DNA).
Your doctor will also usually evaluate for genetic disorders that lead to blood clot formation. These …show more content…
• It is typically caused by a blood clot originating the lower limbs called deep vein thrombosis.
• Risk factors include prior history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, prolonged immobility, recent hip surgery, cancer, genetic defects (prothrombin mutation, antithrombin deficiency, factor V–Leiden, protein C & S deficiency), certain medications (oral contraceptives).
• The most common symptoms are chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), and wheezing.
• The diagnosis usually requires a CT angiogram or V/Q scan. Your doctor will also likely order an ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram) and EKG.
• If you have severe pulmonary embolism with signs of heart strain, your doctor will likely administer a thrombolytic (tissue plasminogen activator). You may also require an interventional procedure such as thrombectomy.
• Other medications frequently used to treat pulmonary embolism include heparin or Lovenox (enoxaparin).
• Long term oral blood thinners are often necessary. These include: warfarin (Coumadin), Xarelto (rivaroxaban), Eliquis (apixaban), and Pradaxa (dabigatran).