Pulmonary embolus Health Article

Definition

A pulmonary embolus is a blockage of an artery in the lungs by fat, air, a blood clot, or tumor cells.

Alternative Names

Venous thromboembolism; Lung blood clot; Blood clot - lung; Embolus; Tumor embolus

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

A pulmonary embolus is most often caused by a blood clot in a vein, especially a vein in the leg or in the pelvis (hip area). The most common cause is a blood clot in one of the deep veins of the legs. This type of clot is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Less common causes include air bubbles, fat droplets, amniotic fluid, or clumps of parasites or tumor cells, all of which may lead to a pulmonary embolus.

Risk factors for a pulmonary embolus include:

• Burns
• Cancer
• Childbirth
• Family history of blood clots
• Fractures of the hips or femur
• Heart attack
• Heart surgery
• Long-term bed rest or staying in one position for a long time, such as a long plane or car ride
• Severe injury
• Stroke
• Surgery (especially orthopedic or neurological surgery)
• Use of birth control pills or estrogen therapy

People with certain clotting disorders may also have a higher risk.

Symptoms

• Chest pain
  • Under the breastbone or on one side
  • Especially sharp or stabbing; also may be a burning, aching, or dull, heavy sensation
  • May get worse with deep breathing, coughing, eating, bending, or stooping (person may bend over or hold his or her chest in response to the pain)
• Cough
  • Begins suddenly
  • May cough up blood or blood-streaked sputum
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heart rate
• Shortness of breath
  • May occur at rest or during activity
  • Starts suddenly

Other symptoms that may occur:

• Anxiety
• Bluish skin discoloration
• Clammy skin
• Dizziness
• Leg pain in one or both legs
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Low blood pressure
• Lump associated with a vein near the surface of the body, may be painful
• Nasal flaring
• Pelvis pain
• Sweating
• Swelling in the legs
• Weak or absent pulse
• Wheezing