Pulmonary Embolism — Awareness, Prompt Treatment Can Save Your Life

Tuesday, January 06, 2004

ROCHESTER, Minn. — With shortness of breath and sharp chest pain, you call 911, worried about a possible heart attack.

The diagnosis may not be a heart attack, but it's just as serious. It may be a pulmonary embolism, meaning one or more blood clots are lodged in the lung arteries and are cutting off blood flow to lung tissue. Like a heart attack, prompt treatment is vital to saving your life.

The January issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter recommends ways to prevent pulmonary embolism. The first is to be aware of risk factors and act accordingly.

Long periods of inactivity during car or plane rides can increase the risk. When traveling, take breaks and walk when possible. Flex and stretch your legs and feet frequently.

Being bedridden because of surgery or illness can increase your risk. Ask your doctor what steps can be taken to prevent blood clotting.

You also can make lifestyle choices that reduce risk. If you smoke, stop. If you're overweight, make changes in your diet and exercise patterns to help lose excess weight.

Signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism vary with the size, number and location of clots in the lungs and the size of the area affected by lack of blood flow. Sometimes, there are no symptoms. Or, you may experience gradual shortness of breath for no apparent reason, sharp chest pain when you inhale, coughing up blood, sudden breathlessness, dizziness and even fainting.

Seeking immediate medical care could mean the difference between life and death. Treatment usually means a hospital stay of several days. Blood-thinning drugs are typically given to prevent new clots and to stop the growth of existing clots.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Carol Lammers
507-284-5037 (days)
507-284-2511(evenings)
email: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville
Erik Kaldor
904-953-2299

Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale
Anne Tewksbury
480-301-4368

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