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Pulmonary Embolism Overview of Pulmonary Embolism The lungs are particularly vulnerable to emboli, since the entire body's blood supply passes through them. These emboli pass through the heart and are pumped through the pulmonary arteries to the lungs. As the vessels progressively narrow, emboli may become lodged and occlude a blood vessel. Blockage of an artery can lead to damage or death of a portion of the lung. The symptoms that develop may vary with the size of the emboli. They may also vary if there are multiple emboli. Pulmonary emboli lead to rapid and substantial dysfunction of the lungs. In severe cases, the resistance to blood flow in the pulmonary arteries is rapidly increased. This forces the right side of the heart to contract more forcefully. It can lead to heart failure. Severe pulmonary emboli, in the form of a saddle embolism (a large clot that blocks the major pulmonary artery at its first division), can lead to rapid death. Causes of Pulmonary Embolism The most common cause of a pulmonary embolism is a blood clot. These frequently develop in the deep veins of the legs or the pelvis. They can occur in other locations as well. Extensive bed rest or recent surgery are contributing factors for the development of a deep vein thrombosis. Disorders that increase the likelihood of your blood clotting can also increase the risk of developing a pulmonary embolism. Heart attacks and Atrial fibrillation can lead to the production of blood clots in the heart, itself. Disease of the heart valves can also produce pulmonary emboli. Emboli can also be produced by a clump of bacteria or a clump of tumor tissue that is swept into the blood vessels. Fat lobules sometimes will lead to emboli, especially from extensive fractures. Air embolism can occur, if air has access to the venous system. Signs and Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism Pulmonary emboli lead to sudden onset of shortness of breath. There is pleuritic chest pain (pain that increases with breathing). Rapid or irregular heart beats occur. Cough and bloody sputum may develop. Increased sweating often develops. Change in the level of consciousness or coma may occur, if the oxygen content of the blood is severely lowered or the function of the heart is severely compromised. The symptoms of pulmonary embolism often occur from clots which develop in the legs. Prior to a pulmonary embolism, the legs may develop swelling and tenderness, particularly in the calf. Extensive fractures may give rise to emboli in the form of fat globules from the bone marrow. advertisement Find more information

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