When the condition is diagnosed and treated promptly, however, that number drops dramatically. About one-third of people with an undiagnosed and untreated pulmonary embolism don't survive. Clots are more likely to form when blood slows or pools.Ī pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. The weight of a baby pressing on veins in the pelvis can slow blood return from the legs. The estrogen in birth control pills and in hormone replacement therapy can increase clotting factors in the blood, especially in those who smoke or are overweight. Excess weight increases the risk of blood clots - particularly in people with other risk factors. For reasons that aren't well understood, tobacco use increases the risk of blood clots in some people, especially those who have other risk factors. Sitting in a cramped position during lengthy plane or car trips slows blood flow in the legs, which increases the risk of blood clots. This sometimes can result in blood clots.
When your legs lie flat for long periods of time, the flow of blood through your veins slows down and blood can pool in your legs.
Being confined to bed for an extended period after surgery, a heart attack, leg fracture, trauma or any serious illness puts you at risk of blood clots. People who have severe symptoms of COVID-19 have an increased risk of pulmonary embolism.īlood clots are more likely to form during longer than usual periods of inactivity, such as: Other medical disorders such as kidney disease also can increase the risk of blood clots. Some inherited disorders affect blood, making it more likely to clot. For this reason, medicine to prevent clots may be given before and after major surgery, such as joint replacement. Surgery is one of the leading causes of problem blood clots. You also have a higher risk of blood clots if you have a personal or family history of breast cancer and are taking tamoxifen or raloxifene (Evista). Certain cancers - especially brain, ovary, pancreas, colon, stomach, lung and kidney cancers, and cancers that have spread - can increase the risk of blood clots.
Heart and blood vessel disease, specifically heart failure, makes clot formation more likely. Some medical conditions and treatments put you at risk, such as: You're at a higher risk if you or any of your blood relatives, such as a parent or sibling, have had venous blood clots or a pulmonary embolism in the past. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting.Ī blood clot in a leg vein may cause swelling, pain, warmth and tenderness in the affected area.Īlthough anyone can develop blood clots that result in a pulmonary embolism, certain factors can increase your risk. Clammy or discolored skin, called cyanosisĪ pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening.Leg pain or swelling, or both, usually in the back of the lower leg.A cough that may include bloody or blood-streaked mucus.Other symptoms that can occur with pulmonary embolism include: You may pass out if your heart rate or blood pressure drops suddenly. You also may feel it when you cough, bend or lean over. The pain can stop you from being able to take a deep breath. The pain is often sharp and felt when you breathe in deeply.
You may feel like you're having a heart attack. Trouble catching your breath happens even when resting and gets worse with physical activity. Pulmonary embolism symptoms can vary greatly, depending on how much of your lung is involved, the size of the clots, and whether you have underlying lung or heart disease.
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