A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs. In most cases, pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from deep veins in the legs or, in rare cases, from veins in other parts of the body (deep vein thrombosis). If you want to read about life expectancy after Pulmonary embolism, read this article till the end!
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious condition that can be fatal as the clots block blood flow to the lungs. However, prompt treatment reduces the risk of death significantly. Preventing blood clots in your legs will help protect you from pulmonary embolism and complications associated with it.
What is the Life Expectancy after Pulmonary Embolism?
- Every year, approximately 1-2 people out of every 1,000 are affected by a PE in the United States (U.S.). This figure places the condition as the third leading cause of cardiovascular death in the United States.
- In Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) cases, death usually occurs when the clot or a portion of it travels to the lung (pulmonary embolism). The majority of DVTs resolve on their own. The prognosis can be worse if a pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs.
- Around 25% of people with a PE will suddenly die, and this will be their only symptom.
- Approximately 23% of people with PE will die within 3 months of diagnosis, slightly more than 30% will die within 6 months, and 37% will die one year after diagnosis, according to research.
- The type of embolism, a person’s age, and overall health all influence life expectancy after a PE. Most people, however, can fully recover from a PE if doctors can diagnose and treat them as soon as possible.
- Most people recover completely from a PE, but some may have long-term symptoms, such as shortness of breath. The recovery time depends on the severity of the PE and the individual’s overall health.
- Post-PE syndrome affects one-third of people who recover from PE and can last three months or longer. This syndrome can lead to chronic shortness of breath and a lower quality of life.
- Post-thrombotic syndrome can result in persistent swelling, pain, and skin discoloration in the affected area, as well as chronic lung damage and further clotting. Moreover psychological issues such as anxiety or depression are also seen n patients.
Prompt treatment is required to help avoid serious complications. The goal of PE treatment is to help prevent clot growth and the formation of new clots.
What are the Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism?
Pulmonary Embolism (PE ) symptoms commonly include:
- pain associated with deep breathing
- breathing difficulty (dyspnea)
- elevated heart rate (tachycardia)
- rapid breathing
- coughing
What are the Risk Factors Associated with Pulmonary Embolism?
Deep veins in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis are the most common sites for blood clots to form. Deep vein thrombosis is the medical term for this condition (DVT). The majority of PE cases are caused by DVT. The risk factors for DVT and PE are the same.
- Obesity
- History of orthopedic surgery
- the use of birth control pills
- thrombophilia (a condition that increases a person’s chances of developing blood clots)
- a lack of protein C
- hyperhomocysteinemia (the condition where there is greater than 15 micromol/L of homocysteine in the blood)
- a lack of protein S
- mutation in the prothrombin gene
What is the Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism?
An anticoagulant is the primary treatment for pulmonary embolism. This is a medication that causes chemical changes in your blood to prevent it from clotting easily. This medication will keep the clot from growing larger while your body gradually absorbs it. It also lowers the likelihood of new clots forming.
life expectancy after Pulmonary embolism can be improved with the early diagnosis and proper treatment.
If you are seeking treatment for Pulmonary embolism, you can consult the best vascular surgeons of Pakistan through marham.pk.
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FAQs
Can you make a full recovery from a pulmonary embolism?
Most people recover completely from a pulmonary embolism, but some may have long-term symptoms, such as shortness of breath. Complications can cause recovery to be delayed and hospital stays to be extended.
Can you live after pulmonary embolism?
Pulmonary embolism is potentially fatal. One-third of people who have undiagnosed and untreated pulmonary embolism die. However, when the condition is diagnosed and treated promptly, that figure drops dramatically.