A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot gets caught in one or more of the pulmonary arteries which is where blood travels from the heart to the lungs. These clots can start in the lungs or have traveled into the lungs from elsewhere in the body, like a deep vein in the legs. Either way, when a clot ends up here, it can be fatal.
These clots are so dangerous because they have the potential to damage the lungs and impact oxygen levels in the blood which affects other organs in the body. There are several telltale symptoms and certain risk factors we should all be aware of to protect ourselves. In this article, we’re going to cover all the symptoms, causes, and treatments of a pulmonary embolism…
1. What Is It?
Healthline notes that a PE refers to a blood clot that occurs in the lungs. The result is possible lung damage due to limited blood flow, as well as decreased oxygen levels in the blood. A PE may impact certain other organs as well, it adds.
The problem can be life threatening, and can even lead to death. “It results in the death of one-third of people who go undiagnosed or untreated,” writes Healthline while citing the Mayo Clinic. “However, immediate emergency treatment greatly increases your chances of avoiding permanent lung damage.”