Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung)
Pulmonary embolism occurs when an artery in your lung becomes blocked. In most cases, the blockage is caused by one or more blood clots. The clots travel from another part of your body. Most people recover from a pulmonary embolism. However, in some cases it is life threatening.
Most clots start in your legs. They can also form in arm veins and on the right side of your heart. They can sometimes form at the tip of an intravenous (IV) tube placed in a vein.
The symptoms of pulmonary embolism depend on how much of your lung is involved, the size of the clot and your overall health.
Symptoms include:
What to do if you think you are experiencing a pulmonary embolism:
Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately!
How to prevent it
Pulmonary embolism occurs when an artery in your lung becomes blocked. In most cases, the blockage is caused by one or more blood clots. The clots travel from another part of your body. Most people recover from a pulmonary embolism. However, in some cases it is life threatening.
Most clots start in your legs. They can also form in arm veins and on the right side of your heart. They can sometimes form at the tip of an intravenous (IV) tube placed in a vein.
The symptoms of pulmonary embolism depend on how much of your lung is involved, the size of the clot and your overall health.
Symptoms include:
- coughing or wheezing
- a cough with blood-streaked spit
- extreme shortness of breath
- sharp pain in the chest
- blue colour around the mouth
- dizziness
What to do if you think you are experiencing a pulmonary embolism:
Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately!
How to prevent it
- Do some walking every day
- If you have to sit or lie down for long periods of time: Exercise in place: Bend, stretch and circle your ankles. Press your feet against a hard surface. If you can, point your toes.
- Keep your legs uncrossed with both feet on the ground.
- Avoid wearing tight socks or hose.
- Wear support stockings. These help circulation and fluid movement. Talk to your healthcare provider about
getting a pair. - Drink plenty of liquids. Water is the best liquid for preventing dehydration. Dehydration plays a role in
the development of blood clots. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks because they may cause you to lose vital fluids
(information taken directly from the Heart and Stroke website, thank you!) Please visit www.heartandstroke.com
