What is a pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism (PULL-mun-ary EM-bo-lizm), or PE, is a sudden blockage in a lung artery. The blockage usually is due to a blood clot that traveled to the lung from a vein in the leg.

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pe/pe_what.html

A traveling blood clot is called an embolus. A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that blocks an artery in your lungs. It is a life-threatening problem.

http://www.thechoiceyoutrust.com/wha/wha_infarcti_crs.htm

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in the lung.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_pulmonary_embolism

Related Questions Answered on Y!Answers

What are symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?

Q: Hi. A couple of years ago I went to the doctors about a cough I’ve always had. They did blood work and a chest X-Ray but found nothing. Now recently I found out that my mothers father died of a pulmonary embolism at the age of 33. What I’m wondering is if this cough I have is related to a pulmonary embolism. Also, is a pulmonary embolism genetic?

A: The symptoms of pulmonary embolism include (in rough order of prevalence) pleuritic chest pain (pain worst in breathing in), shortness of breath, fever, fast heart rate, cough with/without blood. Large pulmonary emboli can result in low blood pressure and the attendant symptoms – dizziness, blackouts, loss of consciousness, etc.A cough without any other of the above symptoms is quite unlikely to be due to a pulmonary embolus. The tendency to form blood clots (and hence having a higher risk of embolus) can indeed be genetic – there are blood tests to screen for some of the more common conditions, but having a normal test doesn’t mean that you are not at increased risk, particularly given your family history.Aspirin is a cheap drug that may be beneficial in lowering your risk of a pulmonary embolus – but I would hasten to add that there is no solid trial evidence for its effectiveness in this context.

What are the chances of having another stroke and pulmonary embolism if you smoke weed?

Q: I suffered a stroke and pulmonary embolism three months ago? I dont smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol but I did used to smoke weed?

A: ScienceDaily (June 14, 2001) — BOSTON – Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and their colleagues have found that people who smoke marijuana may increase their risk of a heart attack. In a study of nearly 4,000 people who had suffered a heart attack, the researchers observed that a person’s chance of having a heart attack, particularly those who are already at risk for heart disease, increased nearly five times during the first hour after smoking marijuana.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/06/010612065616.htm

Is it possible to get a Pulmonary Embolism while on Warfarin if you’ve already had one?

Q: I sufford from a Pulmonary Embolism while is hospital about 3 months ago. I am now on Warfarin for 6 months but I am wondering is it possible to get another Pulmonary Embolism whilst on it. Every time i get shortness of breath or pain in my leg i panic! Sensible answers only please! Also, after Warfarin, will i be at a greater risk of getting one even if I’m active?

A: It is possible, but not likely. When you’re on warfarin, you should be having blood tests called a P.T. (Prothrombin Time) and a P.T.T. (Partial Prothrombin Time) which lets your Dr. know if you’re blood is anti-coagulated enough. That way the Dr. can adjust your dose when needed. I had a blood clot in my leg that broke off and went into my lungs and my MD had me take these tests weekly for 10 years. I felt the same way you do for many years, but if you have these tests done, that should make you feel less panicked.Also, there is a new injectable medication now called Lovenox, which acts immediately. If you’re not having these tests done, you should be.