Doctors How does a pulmonary embolism develop?

The pulmonary embolism is caused by clogged blood vessels in the lungs
Pulmonary embolism is an acute complaint caused by the obstruction of the pulmonary arteries. This is usually done by blood clots that have formed in the leg or pelvic veins and are then transported with the bloodstream towards the lungs. Here, the blood clots obstruct one or more pulmonary blood vessels, which in the worst case can become life-threatening within a short time. Annually die according to the German Society of Angiology - Society for Vascular Medicine e. V. (DGA) in Germany more than 100,000 people at the consequences of a pulmonary embolism.

The occlusion into the pulmonary blood vessel is usually caused by a blood clot, but can also be caused by air, fat, tumors or foreign bodies. However, this is only the case for very few people affected. Depending on the size of the vascular occlusion, different sized areas are cut off from the perfusion and the health risk varies accordingly. While minor blockages can also remain asymptomatic, larger blood clots often lead to cardiac arrest. Signs of pulmonary embolism may include sudden onset of respiratory distress, chest pain, chest tightness, palpitations, and coughing and bloody sputum. Even fever is sometimes detectable.

The pulmonary embolism is caused by a blockage of the pulmonary blood vessels, which in turn is usually due to the deposition of a blood clot. (Image: bilderzwerg / fotolia.com)

Risk factors for pulmonary embolism
An increased risk of pulmonary embolism is found primarily in all diseases that promote blood clots in the veins. But also during pregnancy and when taking birth control pills increases the risk of disease. In addition, patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases are particularly at risk, as are patients with chronic lung diseases. Last but not least, being confined to bed and sitting for a long time (for example, on long flights) is a risk factor. For example, supportive stockings can be a preventive measure, but even a medicinal prophylaxis using blood-thinning and anticoagulant medicines may be required here. For the treatment of pulmonary embolism usually so-called thrombolytics are used with which the blood clot (thrombus) is to be resolved. Followed by a drug follow-up treatment with anticoagulant over the period of at least two months to avoid the re-formation of a blood clot.

Immediately respond to evidence of pulmonary embolism
According to the German Society for Angiology, the number of thromboses and the associated complication in the form of pulmonary embolism has increased in recent years. This disease, also known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), affects about 1.5 per 1,000 inhabitants per year. According to projections of up to 100,000 deaths per year in Germany alone, more than 500,000 people would die every year in Europe as a result of venous thromboembolism. These are "more than through traffic accidents, AIDS, breast and prostate cancer together." The risk is therefore not to be underestimated. "Tachycardia, shortness of breath and chest pain indicate a possible pulmonary embolism. In case of such complaints, a doctor should be consulted immediately or an ambulance should be called ", stresses Professor Dr. med. Rupert Bauersachs, Director of the Clinic for Vascular Medicine - Angiology at the Klinikum Darmstadt and Scientific Director of the Aktionsbündnis Thrombose, in the current press release of the DGA. (Fp)