Can You Die from a Pulmonary Embolism?

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot breaks from the initial location and travels into the lungs. Once there, serious complications quickly arise. As with other major organs of the body, the lungs contain arteries that affect the flow of the blood to and from the heart. When the emboli lodge in this location, it can significantly decrease or block the flow going to the heart. Statistics indicate that as of 2008, over 600,000 Americans alone suffer from this condition. However, knowing your risk factors for pulmonary embolism can significantly reduce the incidence and mortality rate.

Can You Die From a Pulmonary Embolism?

These same statistics indicated that out of these 600,000 or so patients, at least 60,000 of them died as a result. Although instant death has occurred, this isn't always the case. Some patients may live with this condition for an extended period of time. As a matter of fact, many may often overlook the symptoms or attribute them to something else.

What Are the Symptoms?

The symptoms associated with an embolism in the lung(s), can often mimic the signs and symptoms of other disorders. These may include shortness of breath, tightening or pain in the chest, fainting and dizziness and fever. Some patients may also become cyanotic, meaning that the skin, lips or other bodily tissues take on a blue hued appearance. Fever, coughing up blood and fatigue may also be noted. Those suffering from chronic embolism(s) of the lung may not immediately experience these symptoms. Rather, the severity may increase over time.

Risk Factor for Pulmonary Embolism

There are multiple risk factors associated with this pulmonary condition. These may include complications stemming from an invasive surgery, bed rest and those that suffer from deep vein thrombosis. Cancer patients, individuals that have certain conditions related to the heart, such as congestive heart failure and anyone who has recently suffered a stroke or heart attack may also be at an elevated risk. Less common risk factors for the development of pulmonary embolism include being of an older age, giving birth, physical trauma to the body and certain medications, such as oral contraceptives. However, those suffering from deep vein thrombosis are often at the highest risk.

Treatment Options for Pulmonary Embolism

Treatment options for this condition focus on dissolving the clot and preventing future ones. This often accomplished through the use of "blood-thinning" agents, such as the medications heparin or warfarin. Thrombolytic drugs may also be utilized. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required. The type of treatment can depend on several different factors, including the client's overall health and the risk and benefits associated with the treatment. For example, the pregnant patient can not have thrombolytic drugs.

Other Important Information

These are only a few facts regarding the risk factors and treatment options for pulmonary embolism. The severity of the client condition can also play a significant role in this. However, if left untreated, this condition can be fatal. This information is meant to serve as only a guide and should not replace the advice of your physician.

Bibliography

Pulmonary Embolism. Mayo Clinic. 6, September 2009. Viewed 2, December 2010. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pulmonary-embolism/DS00429

Pulmonary Embolism. Penn State. Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Viewed 2, December 2010. http://www.hmc.psu.edu/healthinfo/e/embolism.htm