How does pulmonary embolism affect the body?
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Pulmonary embolism can cause lung tissue surrounding the obstruction to die, otherwise known as lung infarction. It can also cause conditions such as shock or even death. Because the arteries in the lungs, or pulmonary arteries, carry blood from the heart to the lungs to provide deoxygenized blood cells with oxygen, they play a huge role in distributing oxygen to the other cells in the body. If the cells are deprived of oxygen for too long because of a blockage in the lungs, they will die. During pulmonary embolism, blood from the heart is blocked and causes the heart to pump harder in an effort to send more blood through open arteries. This can cause the overexertion of the heart and someone can go into shock because the amount of blood flow is insufficient.
Pulmonary embolism can cause lung tissue surrounding the obstruction to die, otherwise known as lung infarction. It can also cause conditions such as shock or even death. Because the arteries in the lungs, or pulmonary arteries, carry blood from the... More -
Healthwise answered:If a large blood clot blocks the artery in the lung, blood flow may be completely stopped, causing sudden death. A smaller clot reduces the blood flow and may cause damage to lung tissue. But if the clot dissolves on its own, it may not cause any major problems.
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism usually begin suddenly. Reduced blood flow to one or both lungs can cause shortness of breath and a rapid heart rate. Inflammation of the tissue covering the lungs and chest wall (pleura) can cause sharp chest pain. Without treatment, pulmonary embolism is likely to come back.
Complications of pulmonary embolism:
- Cardiac arrest and sudden death.
- Shock.
- Abnormal heart rhythms.
- Death of part of the lung, called pulmonary infarction.
- A buildup of fluid (pleural effusion) between the outside lining of the lungs and the inner lining of the chest cavity.
- Paradoxical embolism.
- Pulmonary hypertension.
Doctors will consider aggressive steps when they are treating a large, life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Chronic or recurring pulmonary embolism - Blood clots that cause pulmonary embolism may dissolve on their own. But if you have had pulmonary embolism, you have an increased risk of a repeat episode if you do not receive treatment. If pulmonary embolism is diagnosed promptly, treatment with anticoagulant medicines (usually heparin and warfarin) may prevent new blood clots from forming.
The risk of having another pulmonary embolism caused by something other than blood clots varies. Substances that are reabsorbed into the body, such as air, fat or amniotic fluid, usually do not increase the risk of having another episode. Cancer increases the risk of blood clots.
Having multiple episodes of pulmonary embolism can severely reduce blood flow through the lungs and heart. Over time, this increases blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension), eventually leading to right-sided heart failure and possibly death.
If a large blood clot blocks the artery in the lung, blood flow may be completely stopped, causing sudden death. A smaller clot reduces the blood flow and may cause damage to lung tissue. But if the clot dissolves on its own, it may not cause... More
