Pulmonary embolism
Description of Pulmonary embolism
Definition
Normally, if someone gets hurt, the body forms a blood clot to stop the bleeding. Some people get too many clots or their blood clots abnormally. If a blood clot in a deep vein breaks off and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs and blocks blood flow, the condition is called pulmonary embolism.
Causes and Risk Factors
Risk factors for excessive blood clotting include:
1. Certain genetic disorders
2. Atherosclerosis
3. Diabetes
4. Atrial fibrillation
5. Overweight, obesity, and metabolic syndrome
6. Some medicines
7. Smoking
Complications and When Should You See a Doctor
1. Blood clots can form in, or travel to, the blood vessels in the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and limbs. A clot in the veins deep in the limbs is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT usually affects the deep veins of the legs.
2. Other complications of blood clots include stroke, heart attack, kidney problems and kidney failure, and pregnancy-related problems.
Treatment
Treatments for blood clots include:
1. Blood thinners
2. Other prescription medicines
Frequently Asked Questions about Pulmonary embolism
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