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Pulmonary Embolism
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A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that travels to the lungs. Often, the clot forms in another part of the body, usually in the veins of the legs. Large clots can be fatal. The January 11, 2006, issue of JAMA includes an article about diagnosing pulmonary embolism. This Patient Page is based on one previously published in the December 3, 2003, issue of JAMA.
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF PULMONARY EMBOLISM
- Sudden chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Cough with blood
- Lightheadedness and fainting
- Excessive sweating
- Bluish tint to skin
- Anxiety
RISK FACTORS FOR PULMONARY EMBOLISM
- Recent surgery
- Long periods of immobility (such as bed rest because of an illness)
- Cancer
- Heart problems
- Older age
- Taking oral contraceptives
- Previous stroke or heart attack
DIAGNOSIS OF PULMONARY EMBOLISM
Pulmonary embolism can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are broad and resemble those of other diseases. Results of the patient's history and physical examination are very important. Some . . . [Full Text of this Article]
Sharon Parmet, MS, Writer;
Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator;
Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor
RELATED ARTICLE
Effectiveness of Managing Suspected Pulmonary Embolism Using an Algorithm Combining Clinical Probability, D-Dimer Testing, and Computed Tomography
Writing Group for the Christopher Study Investigators
JAMA. 2006;295(2):172-179.
ABSTRACT
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