Pulmonary Embolism & Elders: Get your Facts Right To Ensure Correct Treatment
A pulmonary embolism (PE) happens because of blockages in the pulmonary arteries. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood vessel is blocked in one of its bloodstreams and travels to the lungs. A deep vein thrombosis occurs when a clot develops in a deep vessel, typically in the lower leg or thigh. Pulmonary embolism, the most severe complication of deep vein thrombosis, is the most serious.
Who is at the Highest Risk of Developing a Pulmonary Embolism?
People at high risk of developing PE are:
- You have been inactive or immobile long-term.
- Affected by certain genetic conditions such as factor V Leiden or blood clotting disorder.
- Are undergoing surgery or have broken bones (the risk is greater weeks following surgery or injury).
- You have cancer or a family history of it.
Other Risk Factors in Pulmonary Embolism Include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Cigarette smoking
- Being pregnant or having given birth within the last six weeks
- Taking birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and hormone replacement therapy
- Having high blood pressure or stroke
- Having a vein that has been damaged or injured recently
- Suffering from severe injuries, burns, and fractures to the hips or leg bone
- Being above the age of 60
A patient who has ever had a blood clot or has any of the risk factors listed above should see a physician to discuss how they can reduce their risk.
How serious is a Pulmonary Embolism?
A Pulmonary Embolism can be very serious and may cause:
- Heart failure due to overworking of one side of the heart
- Low blood oxygen levels that may deplete the functioning of other organs
- Death, if the blood vessel clots become too large or multiply at a fast pace
- Permanent damage to the lung’s arteries and eventually high blood pressure (pulmonary hypotension)
Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
The symptoms will vary depending upon the severity of the blood clot. The following symptoms are found commonly in those suffering from a Pulmonary Embolism:
- Sudden shortness of suffocation of breath
- Problems with breathing
- Chest pain
- Coughing, with or without bloody pus (mucus)
- Arrhythmia, irregular heartbeats
- Swelling in the leg or along a vein
- Leg tenderness or pain
- Reddened or discoloured skin around the affected leg
- Feelings like anxiety or dread
- Bluish skin (cyanosis)
- Feeling lightheaded or faint
- Rapid breathing
- Sweating, clammy skin
- An increase in heart rate
If these symptoms occur, the patient should immediately see a doctor. Sometimes, however, the patient may not exhibit any typical symptoms caused by pulmonary embolism.
Dangers Of Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolisation can prove to be fatal. About one-third (33%) of people suffering from undiagnosed, untreated pulmonary embolism will succumb to it. However, if the condition is diagnosed and treated promptly, that number reduces dramatically.
Pulmonary embolism could also lead to pulmonary hypertension, as mentioned above. This refers to high blood pressure on the right side of the lungs. When your lungs are blocked, your heart must work harder for blood to flow through these vessels, increasing blood pressure and eventually leading to a weakened heart. In rare instances, small emboli may develop over time and cause chronic pulmonary hypertension.
FAQs
When a patient has a pulmonary embolism, what should they watch?
Be vigilant for new pulmonary embolism symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, a rapid heart rate, or feeling lightheaded or dizzy. Patients experiencing recurrent PE need to seek immediate medical attention.
When a patient is suspected of having a pulmonary embolism, what is the best course of treatment?
Treatment with thrombolytic therapy is much preferred for patients with PE.
What is the severity of blood clots in the lungs in the elderly?
It is important to know that pulmonary emboli are very serious conditions which can cause death by damaging the lungs and other organs of the body.
