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Pulmonary embolus Health Article

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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
  • Rapid breathing
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Shortness of breath
    • May occur at rest or during activity
    • Starts suddenly

Other symptoms that may occur:

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Reviewer Info: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 01/27/2009
 
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