Pulmonary Embolism | Physicians Vein Clinics Physicians Vein Clinics

A pulmonary embolism is a serious condition. If you have been diagnosed or you are concerned about your risk, we can help you navigate the process of learning about the condition and taking the first steps to protect your health. At Physicians Vein Clinics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating vein conditions that can contribute to complications like pulmonary embolism. We have 14 locations throughout South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Minnesota. We are here to help you take control of your health with care close to home. Reach out to us at 888-782-8346 to find out more.

What Is a Pulmonary Embolism?

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks one or more of the pulmonary arteries. In most cases, the clot originates in one of the deep veins of the legs, a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This blockage restricts blood flow to the lungs and puts strain on the heart. It is a condition that requires prompt medical attention.

Causes and Risk Factors of Pulmonary Embolism

Deep Vein Thrombosis

DVT is the most common cause of pulmonary embolism. When a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of the legs, there is a risk that part or all of the clot can break free and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs. Early detection of DVT is important, as well as preventative strategies, if you have risk factors for DVT.

Recent Trauma or Injury

Injuries to the lower body, including fractures and muscle damage, can increase your risk of developing blood clots. Trauma to the veins triggers the body’s clotting response, and the reduced mobility that often comes with an injury can slow blood flow in the legs and create conditions where clots are more likely to form.

Blood Clotting Disorders

Certain inherited conditions can cause the blood to clot more easily in some patients. These disorders can raise your risk of developing the clots that can lead to DVT or pulmonary embolism. If you have a family history of clotting issues, these are worth discussing with your doctor.

Medication Side Effects

Some medications can also increase the risk of blood clots. These include hormone-based treatments, like certain birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. If you are taking any of these medications and have other risk factors for clotting, speak to your doctor.

Age

Your risk of developing blood clots and pulmonary embolism increases as you get older, particularly after age 60. This is due to many factors, including decreased mobility, a decreased ability for the body to break down clots, increased coagulation factors and the increased risk of other chronic conditions that raise the overall risk of pulmonary embolism or DVT.

Medical History and Conditions

Patients with diabetes, cancer or a history of heart failure may be more prone to blood clots. A previous heart attack or stroke can also increase your likelihood. Being overweight can put pressure on the veins in your legs and make blood flow less efficient, and pregnancy causes hormonal and circulatory changes that can make clotting more likely. In all of these situations, staying on top of vein health is important.

Signs and Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism

Common signs to watch for include:

Sudden shortness of breath that worsens with activity
Sharp chest pain that may feel worse when you take a deep breath or cough
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Coughing, sometimes with blood-tinged mucus
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Excessive sweating
Swelling, pain or warmth in one leg, which may indicate an underlying DVT

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care right away. A pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening and requires immediate attention.

Treatment Options

Treatment for pulmonary embolism depends on the size and severity of the clot. Some clots are life-threatening and will require removal, while others can be managed with medications while the body works on dissolving them.

Anticoagulant Medicine

This is the most frequently used treatment for pulmonary embolism. This medication thins the blood to prevent the clot from getting larger and keeps additional clots from forming while the body breaks down the existing clot. This treatment may be used for several months or longer, depending on the situation.

Compression Stockings

Compression stockings may be recommended alongside other treatments to help speed up your recovery and prevent further clotting. These prescription-grade stockings apply steady pressure to the legs to promote better blood flow and reduce swelling. At our clinics, we use stockings that start at 20-30mmHg graduated compression, and your doctor will let you know the right compression level for you.

Thrombolytic Therapy

Thrombolytic therapy involves powerful medications that actively dissolve blood clots. They are reserved for more severe cases when the clot is large or life-threatening. They are administered carefully and under close supervision because of the risk of bleeding.

Surgery

In some life-threatening cases when fast treatment is critical, pulmonary embolism can be treated through surgical removal of the clog. Surgery is often recommended when other treatments are not working. Surgical treatment options include direct removal of the clog with a catheter or the placement of filters in the vena cava to trap clots before reaching the lungs.

Pulmonary Embolism Prevention

While not every pulmonary embolism can be prevented, there are steps you can take to lower your risk. Many of these focus on keeping your blood circulating well and addressing risk factors you can control.

Stay active throughout the day: If you sit for long periods at work, take short breaks to stand and walk around every hour or so.
Move during long trips: On flights or car rides lasting more than a few hours, stretch your legs regularly and flex your ankles to keep blood flowing.
Wear compression stockings when recommended: If your doctor has suggested them, especially after a procedure, during a flight or during pregnancy, wear them consistently and as directed.
Stay hydrated: Dehydration can thicken the blood, which makes clotting more likely. Aim to drink water regularly, especially when traveling.
Follow post-surgical instructions carefully: Getting up and moving as soon as your doctor allows after surgery is one of the most effective ways to reduce clot risk during recovery.
Know your medications: If you’re on blood thinners or other clot-prevention medications, take them as prescribed and keep up with any recommended lab work.

If you have a history of DVT or other clotting issues, regular check-ins with your doctor can help you stay ahead of potential problems. Early detection of vein issues is one of the best tools we have to help reduce the risk of serious complications like pulmonary embolism.

Find a Vein Specialist Near Me

Getting the right care for your vein health is important. At Physicians Vein Clinics, we offer free screenings for patients who want to take the first step to better vein health. With over 45 million Americans living with vein disease, we believe that it is important to make care easily accessible to our communities. Schedule a visit at the nearest vein clinic to get started:

South Dakota Vein Clinics
Minnesota Vein Clinics
Iowa Vein Clinics
Illinois Vein Clinics
North Dakota Vein Clinics
Pennsylvania Vein Clinics

Why Physicians Vein Clinics

Board-certified vein specialists who diagnose and treat vein disease every day
14 convenient vein centers across South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Minnesota
All vein treatments are minimally invasive and performed in-office with little to no downtime
Free vein screening available with no referral required, and most insurance plans accepted

Schedule a Free Screening

Find a Vein Clinic Near You

Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse before taking action. The sooner you address your vein health, the more options you will have and the better you will feel. At Physicians Vein Clinics, we make it easy to get the answers you need with 14 locations and an easy consultation process. Call us today at 888-782-8346 for a free screening or a consultation.

Request a Free Screening

When should I seek emergency care?

DVT can become life-threatening if part of the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Emergency symptoms include:

Sudden shortness of breath
Chest pain
Rapid heart rate
Coughing up blood

Immediate medical attention is required if these symptoms occur.

How is DVT diagnosed?

Deep vein thrombosis is diagnosed using a combination of a physical exam and imaging, often a duplex ultrasound. This non-invasive test lets us look at the blood flow in your veins and detect clots. In some cases, blood tests or additional imaging may be recommended.

How long does DVT treatment take?

Treatment for DVT lasts for several months, though the timeline depends on your situation. After treatment, we provide additional support to help you avoid or manage further complications.

Can DVT cause long-term problems?

Some patients develop post-thrombotic syndrome, a type of chronic venous insufficiency that causes chronic swelling and discomfort in the limb, along with possible skin changes. We will continue to monitor you for signs of vein disease.