A pulmonary embolism is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot, usually from the deep veins of the legs, travels to the lungs and blocks an artery. This blockage can damage part of the lung and decrease oxygen levels in the blood, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood. It is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment, which may include medications and, in some cases, interventional procedures to prevent further complications
. If you have these symptoms, get medical attention right away. A provider will give you the dose of anticoagulants or thrombolytics that fits your situation. Keeping you in the hospital allows them to monitor your condition. Ways to prevent a pulmonary embolism include: Your provider may also recommend an interventional procedure in which a healthcare provider places a A vena cava filter traps clots before they enter your lungs. Without treatment, a pulmonary embolism is a...
