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Pulmonary Embolism - What Happens
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
- Topic Overview
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Health Tools
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- What Increases Your Risk
- When To Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
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- Related Information
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If a large blood clot blocks the artery in the lung, blood flow may be completely stopped, causing sudden death. A smaller clot reduces the blood flow and may cause damage to lung tissue. But if the clot dissolves on its own, it may not cause any major problems.
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism usually begin suddenly. Reduced blood flow to one or both lungs can cause shortness of breath and a rapid heart rate. Inflammation of the tissue covering the lungs and chest wall (pleura) can cause sharp chest pain.
Without treatment, pulmonary embolism is likely to come back.
Complications of pulmonary embolism
Complications of pulmonary embolism may include:
- Cardiac arrest and sudden death.
- Shock.
- Abnormal heart rhythms.
- Death of part of the lung, called pulmonary infarction.
- A buildup of fluid (pleural effusion) between the outside lining of the lungs and the inner lining of the chest cavity.
- Paradoxical embolism.
- Pulmonary hypertension.
Doctors will consider aggressive steps when they are treating a large, life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Chronic or recurring pulmonary embolism
Blood clots that cause pulmonary embolism may dissolve on their own. But if you have had pulmonary embolism, you have an increased risk of a repeat episode if you do not receive treatment. If pulmonary embolism is diagnosed promptly, treatment with anticoagulant medicines (usually heparin and warfarin) may prevent new blood clots from forming.
The risk of having another pulmonary embolism caused by something other than blood clots varies. Substances that are reabsorbed into the body, such as air, fat, or amniotic fluid, usually do not increase the risk of having another episode. Cancer increases the risk of blood clots.
Having multiple episodes of pulmonary embolism can severely reduce blood flow through the lungs and heart. Over time, this increases blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension), eventually leading to right-sided heart failure and possibly death.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: January 14, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD - Hematology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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