How a pulmonary embolism or lung blood clot forms?

Pulmonary Embolism also known as PE is the 3rd most common cause of mortalities in the United States. So, I felt it is important to discuss what it is, how it forms, and how to prevent one?

PE is a blood clot in the lungs. It goes undiagnosed all too often in the clinical setting due to its nonspecific symptoms. So how do you get a blood clot in the lungs?

Most commonly what happens is the deep legs of the vein or calf veins are very susceptible to forming blood clots but the clot can form anywhere in the body. A clot in the leg veins also known as DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) needs to be treated early. Thrombosis is just jargon for blood clot. Once the clot breaks loose and travels in the body and occludes a blood vessel, it is called an embolism. So, how does it get from the legs to your lungs?

Here is an excellent video on the formation of a clot and how it gets to your lungs:

So how does the clot form? The answer lies in something called Virchow’s Triad. First, some people have a genetic tendency to form clots also known as hypercoagulablity. Hypercoagulability is either inherited or acquired. Examples of acquired hypercoagulability are pregnancy, diabetes, old age, immobility, inflammation, cancer, obesity, hormonal replacement therapy, and oral contraception use. If you fall in any of these categories, you should be more aware of this condition. The next risk factor is venous stasis, which means slowing or stoppage of blood flow in the veins. This can be caused by immobilization, obesity, and advanced age which is associated with a decrease in physical activity. Thirdly, vascular damage which can be seen in injury or surgery. Surgery or trauma patients need to be protected against pulmonary embolism as they have both vascular damage and venous stasis from the decreased physical activity.

Although some may be asymptomatic, some common signs and symptoms of a PE: chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid respiration, fever, cough, coughing up blood, low blood pressure, racing heart beat, or feeling faint. If you are having pain and discomfort in the leg, it is advisable to see a physician as this may be DVT which can become PE.

How to prevent Pulmonary Embolism?

• By preventing the cause of a PE, a DVT.
• See your doctor regularly and take the medications prescribed.
• Lose weight and exercise.
• After surgery or an illness, get out of bed and move around.
• During long trips, exercise your legs.

Travel Tips for Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Prevention

• In a car trip, stop about every hour to walk around and stretch.
• In an airplane or train, stretch and walk up and down the aisles. In order to prevent Economy Class Syndrome, walk around the plane when it is safe to do so even if it annoys the people around you when your sitting near the window.
• Move and stretch your legs and feet to promote blood flow.
• Hydrate yourself and avoid alcohol.
• Wear comfortable clothing