Pulmonary Embolism

What is a pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot in the lung. It usually comes from smaller vessels in the leg. Clots forming in the legs are called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

The clot travels to the lungs and then through the vessels of the lung until it reaches smaller vessels where it becomes wedged. The clot then prevents any further blood from travelling to that section of the lung.

Common symptoms might include:

• Chest pain that is sharp and is worse when taking a deep breath
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating

All the above can also be symptoms for other conditions; however pulmonary embolism can be life threatening so if you are concerned seek the advice of a doctor or go to the nearest accident and emergency department.

Treatment

• Heparin is usually the first medication given. It will stop further clots forming. It may be given by an intravenous drip or low molecular weight heparin may be given by injection.
• Warfarin (Coumadin) is usually given shortly after the heparin or a low molecular weight heparin is started. Both of these will be continued until blood tests show that the warfarin is adequately thinning the blood. Once this is shown, then the heparin is stopped, and the warfarin is continued.

People with PEs may be in hospital for several days until their blood can be adequately thinned. Then they are maintained on blood thinning medication for six months or longer.