St. Joseph's Healthcare System

Nilesh Patel, MD, Emergency Medicine, discusses the importance of knowing about Pulmonary Embolisms. A Pulmonary Embolism is also known as a blood clot in a lung. It is important to recognize the symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism and if you do have symptoms to seek medical attention. The exact occurrence of Pulmonary Embolism is unknown and there is an estimated 500,000 - 600,000 cases per year in the United States with a mortality rate of ten to thirty percent. Most PEs come from blood clots in the legs also known as Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT.

There are many risk factors for Pulmonary Embolism which include: surgery within the past 3 months, a history of cancer (particularly active cancer which is undergoing treatment), elderly, recent immobility of the lower legs including prolonged air travel or casts, estrogen or oral contraceptive use, any recent admission to the hospital, a history of Pulmonary Embolism or DVT, pregnancy can also be a risk factor in the 3-rd trimester and post-partum period. Most patients have at least one of the above risk factors.

Signs and symptoms include: chest pain, difficulty breathing, persistent lower light pain or swelling, coughing up blood, or passing out. The symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism can sometimes mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, with chest pain and difficulty breathing being the most common symptoms. Tests can be done to confirm or disprove the diagnosis. The main test to diagnose Pulmonary Embolism is a cat scan of the chest.

Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism usually mandates admission to the hospital and treatment with blood thinners to stabilize the blood clot. If you feel that you may have Pulmonary Embolism contact your doctor or go to your local emergency department, remember to be aware of the common symptoms of chest pain, difficulty breathing and lower leg pain or swelling.