What is a pulmonary embolism? what is a pulmonary embolism, what causes it, and what can i do to diminish my risks?

A : A pulmonary embolism or a pe is a blood clot (thrombosis) that has embolized or lodged itself in a pulmonary artery (an artery through which all the blood flow in the body has to flow through to get to the lungs). A pe usually arises from a deep venous thrombosis (dvt), typically formed in a vein in the legs or pelvis. Form there, it can dislodge and migrate in the direction of blood flow to the right side of the heart and then the pulmonary arteries. The clot will typically get "stuck" in the pulmonary arteries and block blood flow to that area of lung. This is a potentially very dangerous situation and can result in poor oxygenation and increased stress on the cardiovascular system, principally the right side of the heart. People that are prone to developing dvts and therefore pes are patients who have been diagnosed or are being treated for cancer. Other people that are predisposed are those with a strong family history of blood clots and patients who are undoing major surgery or who are bedridden or immobile. These patients often receive anti-embolism stockings that they wear on their legs as well as sometime receive blood-thinning medications to try and prevent the formation of blood clots. Sometimes, immobility can even refer to a relatively short period of sitting in an inactive position (e.g. During long flights), and simple leg/feet exercising during long flights can be enough to prevent a DVT or pe. See you doctor if you have any of the above predisposing factors for a pe and discuss further options to try and reduce the risk of developing a pe.

Clot in lungs: Blood clots forming in leg vains and pelvic veins can travel to lungs causing pulmonary embolism. The way to avoid it is to stay active and prevent long periods of inactivity. Active dorsi and plantar flexion of feet should keep calf muscles pumping blood out of legs and prevent pe.