Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism is a disease in which one of the arteries in your lungs gets blocked. It is usually caused by a blood clot that starts in your leg, thigh or any other part of your body, which then travels to the lungs. In most cases the blood clot is small and can be treated if diagnosed in time, but if it is large enough to stop the flow of blood to the lungs, it can prove to be fatal. A clot that develops close to your skin is not as dangerous, and usually does not cause any problems. However a clot that is lodged in a vein deep within your body can be very dangerous, and is known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). When DVT occurs in conjunction with pulmonary embolism, the disease is known as venous thromboembolism.

Several factors lead to higher risk of developing blood clots. These include:

• Long periods of inactivity, such as bed rest after surgery, during illness or during a long flight

• Diseases such as cancer, heart failure, stroke or severe infections

• Birth control pills

• Smoking

• Major surgeries involving the hips, brain or legs

• Pregnancy or childbirth, especially a caesarean section

• Hypercoagulable state or blood clotting disorder

Sometimes blockages other than blood clots may also develop. These include tumours, air bubbles or amniotic fluid (that is, the fluid surrounding the baby in the womb). It is also caused by obesity (being overweight) or old age.

When to seek expert advise

If you are experiencing chest pain that lasts longer than a few minutes, shortness of breath or blood in your sputum, visit your doctor immediately. Section of Pulmonology and Critical Care​ at The Aga Khan University Hospital offer quality health care and a range of treatment options. If you need an ambulance, call the Aga Khan University Hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine immediately.​