Pulmonary Embolism
What is a pulmonary embolism?
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood vessel leading to the lungs to occlusion by a blood clot.
The clot may have traveled into the general circulation from a vein in the pelvic area, abdomen or, more frequently, from a vein in the legs.
Who gets pulmonary embolism?
There are situations that favor a pulmonary embolism, the most important are:
- Elderly people who spend most of the day in bed.
- Patients suffering from cancer. However, having a pulmonary embolism does not mean cancer.- After surgery that requires bed rest for a long period of time.
- There are families with a tendency to suffer from pulmonary embolisms. Usually have a genetic disorder of coagulation.
- People who are overweight.
- After a long journey, during which it has been still for a prolonged period of time. This causes blood stasis in the legs, sometimes causing a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg, which called deep vein thrombosis. It occurs most frequently in the long trans-Atlantic flights, leading to so-called “economy class syndrome.”
- Pelvic fractures and fractures of the lower limbs due to immobilization for forced.
- Pregnant women. Pregnancy increases the risk of pulmonary embolism.
- Due to the risk of pulmonary embolism, it is important that the elderly do not stay in bed longer than necessary. People who have recently undergone surgery should walk as soon as possible following the instructions of your doctor.
credit to: Dr. Francisco Epelde Gonzalo, Dr. Per Grinsted, Dr. Ole Davidsen, Dr. Patrick Davey