Diseases
pulmonary embolism
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that blocks and stops blood flow to an artery in the lung. In most cases, the blood clot starts in a deep vein in the leg and travels to the lung. Rarely, the clot forms in a vein in another part of the body.
Symptoms
- shortness of breath.
- chest pain.
- fainting
- a cough that may include bloody or blood-streaked mucus
- rapid or irregular heartbeat
Causes
- fat from the inside of a broken long bone
- part of a tumor
- air bubbles
Risk factors
- heart disease
- history of blood clots
- cancer, smoking, being overweight
Diagnosis
- blood tests
- pulmonary angiogram
- ultrasound, mri, x-rays
- ct pulmonary angiography
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is pulmonary embolism?
A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that blocks and stops blood flow to an artery in the lung. In most cases, the blood clot starts in a deep vein in the leg and travels to the lung. Rarely, the clot forms in a vein in another part of the body.
What are the symptoms of pulmonary embolism?
shortness of breath., chest pain., fainting, a cough that may include bloody or blood-streaked mucus, rapid or irregular heartbeat
What causes pulmonary embolism?
fat from the inside of a broken long bone; part of a tumor; air bubbles
Which medicines are used for pulmonary embolism?
alteplase, apixaban, dabigatran etexilate, edoxaban, fondaparinux, heparin, rivaroxaban, streptokinase, urokinase
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