Pulmonary embolus
Alternate Names : Venous thromboembolism, Lung blood clot, Blood clot - lung, Embolus, Tumor embolus
Definition
A pulmonary embolus is a blockage of an artery in the lungs by fat, air, a blood clot, or tumor cells.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
A pulmonary embolus is most often caused by a blood clot in a vein, especially a vein in the leg or in the pelvis (hip area). The most common cause is a blood clot in one of the deep veins of the legs. This type of clot is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Less common causes include air bubbles, fat droplets, amniotic fluid, or clumps of parasites or tumor cells, all of which may lead to a pulmonary embolus.
Risk factors for a pulmonary embolus include: - Burns
- Cancer
- Childbirth
- Family history of blood clots
- Fractures of the hips or femur
- Heart attack
- Heart surgery
- Long-term bed rest or staying in one position for a long time, such as a long plane or car ride
- Severe injury
- Stroke
- Surgery (especially orthopedic or neurological surgery)
- Use of birth control pills or estrogen therapy
People with certain clotting disorders may also have a higher risk.
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