Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolisms are treatable, but they’re a life-threatening condition if they go untreated, a problem that sadly occurs in one-third of people. At Chuan Jiang Medicine PC in Flushing, New York, you receive prompt, comprehensive care for a pulmonary embolism. Chuan Jiang, MD, has extensive experience diagnosing and treating pulmonary embolisms, along with their associated conditions, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary hypertension, and chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED). Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is a pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism develops when a blood clot gets stuck inside blood vessels in your lungs. If the blood clot blocks a pulmonary artery, your lungs can’t add oxygen to the blood supply, depriving tissues and organs (including your brain and heart) of the oxygen they need to function and survive.

The blood clots that cause a pulmonary embolism develop elsewhere in your body, then break free and travel through your blood vessels to the lungs. In nearly all cases, the blood clot begins as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in your legs.

What complications can a pulmonary embolism cause?

A pulmonary embolism can damage your lungs and put excessive stress on your heart, as it affects blood flow between the heart and lungs. The embolism may also cause dangerously high blood pressure in the lungs and heart, a condition called pulmonary hypertension.

Unfortunately, it can be fatal if the blood clot is large enough to substantially or completely block blood flowing through your lungs.

What are the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?

Before you have a pulmonary embolism, you may have DVT symptoms, such as redness, swelling, tenderness, warmth, and pain in your leg.

After the clot reaches your lungs, your symptoms may include:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain (that’s worse when you take a breath)
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Palpitations (pounding heart or the feeling of fluttering in your chest)
• Coughing with or without blood
• Sweating
• Fatigue

A severe clot makes your blood pressure drop, causing blurry vision, rapid breathing, dizziness, and fainting.

How is a pulmonary embolism treated?

In addition to the embolism, Dr. Jiang treats DVT and the conditions that may develop due to a pulmonary embolism: pulmonary hypertension and chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED). CTED occurs if you have an ongoing pulmonary embolism. 

The primary treatment for an embolism (whether in your lungs or legs) includes blood thinners (anticoagulants) and clot dissolvers (thrombolytics). However, Dr. Jiang may need to remove a large, life-threatening clot using a thin, flexible catheter guided through your blood vessels.

People with DVT may need to have a filter implanted in a large vein, the inferior vena cava, where the filter can trap pieces breaking away from DVT and stop them from reaching your lungs.

Don’t wait to seek help if you have signs of a DVT or pulmonary embolism. Call Chuan Jiang Medicine PC or schedule an appointment online today.