Overview
Pulmonary embolism is a condition where the emboli travels to the arteries in the lung and lodged in it causing block in blood flow. Usually the emboli originates from the deep venous system of the lower limbs.Signs and Symptoms
Shortness of breath , Chest pain , Cough , Leg pain or swelling , Clammy or discolored skin (cyanosis) , Fever , Excessive sweating , Rapid or irregular heartbeat , Lightheadedness or dizzinessCommon Causes
Endothelial injury , Stasis or turbulence of blood flow , Blood hypercoagulabilityRisk Factors
Surgery , Prolonged immobility , Smoking , Heart disease , Being overweight , Supplemental estrogen , PregnancyInvestigation Techniques
Blood tests (D- dimer) , Chest X-ray , Compression ultrasonography , Pulmonary angiogram , MRITreatment and Prevention
Blood thinners (anticoagulants), Clot dissolvers (thrombolytics), Embolectomy, Vena Cava Filters, Supportive Care (Compression stockings)
