Home / Diseases of the cardiovascular system / What is pulmonary embolism?

What is pulmonary embolism?

Symptoms

If there is a minor pulmonary embolism, symptoms may be absent. Possible symptoms:

  • tachycardia;
  • a sudden feeling of shortage of air;
  • chest pain with deep breath;
  • the sense of anxiety.

In the absence of infarction of the lungs shortness of breath is the only symptom.

When pulmonary embolism is deteriorating pumping function of the heart, which leads to insufficient supply of blood rich in oxygen to the brain and other organs. For this reason, may experience the following symptoms:

  • dizziness;
  • cramps;
  • fainting;
  • abnormal heart rhythm.

Diagnosis pulmonary embolism – it is quite difficult. The diagnosis is based on complaints of the patient, taking into account existing predisposing factors. In addition, you must complete a series of studies using the instrument:

  1. Chest x-ray. Shows changes in blood vessels that occur after embolism, helps to detect pulmonary infarction. Not always enable an accurate diagnosis.
  2. ECG. ECG changes, usually dynamic, therefore, only possible to suspect an embolism. Allows to detect vascular changes.
  3. Perfusion scintigraphy. In the vein injected radionuclide substance that comes to light. This method allows to evaluate blood flow. In places where normal blood flow is missing, the radioactive substance act, therefore, these areas appear dark.
  4. Pulmonary arteriography. Is the most reliable method of diagnosis, but at the same time the most difficult. Is that the artery is introduced contrast agent, which then flows into the pulmonary artery. R-embolism picture looks like a blockage in the vessel. Appoint in that case, if there is doubt about the diagnosis or require urgent diagnosis.

What to do if you suspect a pulmonary embolism

If breathing became shallow, there was pain in my chest and the feeling of fear, you need to go to the hospital.

We should not forget the obstruction of pulmonary arteries is a dangerous condition. According to statistics, embolism is one of the most frequent causes of sudden death. You should immediately call an ambulance if there are such signs:

  • severe dizziness, fainting, convulsions;
  • chest pain, fever, cough with blood in sputum;
  • loss of consciousness, General bluish discoloration of the skin.

Prevention

A healthy lifestyle is the best defense against all diseases. It is primarily a proper diet and maintaining weight within normal limits.

For the prevention of embolism, it is important to guard against injuries and in a timely manner to treat infectious diseases.

Havethose who suffered embolism of the pulmonary arteries, the probability of re-development. This recurrence can be life-threatening. To prevent them, especially people prone to blood clots should avoid prolonged stay in one position, for example, in a sitting position. It is necessary to periodically warm up. To improve blood flow in the legs is recommended to wear compression tights or stockings that also prevent thrombosis.

You should drink more water, especially while traveling and it is possible to eliminate from the diet coffee and alcohol.