Blood Clot In Lung – Known As Pulmonary Embolism
The medical term for a blood clot in lung is Pulmonary Embolism. Pulmonary is the medical term for things related to the lung. Embolism here refers to the blood clot that has traveled and become stuck in the arteries of the lung. A blood clot in the lung is both common and serious and can be fatal if not treated appropriately.
Read about pulmonary embolism including diagnosis and treatments in detail here.
A Blood Clot In Lung – A Serious Issue
A blood clot in the lung is a very serious issue and a leading cause of death. There are almost a million cases of this every year in the US. One in three blood clots in the lung will eventually result in death. A blood clot in the lung can result in lower life expectancy and decreased quality of life.
Blood Clot In Lung – How Does It Get There?
It all starts as a blood clot that forms in the vein of the leg. Blood has to travel through the veins to get back to the heart. From the heart blood is pumped to the lungs to get oxygen. The blood clot in the leg can detach and travel up through the veins all the way to the heart. The clot then travels through the heart to the arteries of the lungs where it gets stuck and can have serious consequences.
Read about blood clot in leg including diagnosis and treatment here.
Blood Clot In Lung – Why Does A Blood Clot Happen?
As we said before, blood clots typically form in the veins of the leg before they travel up the body to give a blood clot in the lung. There are many things that can lead to this happening. These include damage or trauma to the leg, periods of immobilization, ongoing illness, hospitalization, cancer and certain medications such as hormones and contraceptives. The presence of clotting disorders will also increase the risk. Such disorders are relatively common and can be inherited.
Blood Clot In Lung – Why It’s So Dangerous
When blood clot gets trapped in the lung it can lead to several consequences. The blood clot can lead to greatly increased pressures on the right side of the heart and lead to the right side of the heart simply failing. If the blood clot in the lung is large enough this can lead to severely low blood pressures, fatal heart rhythms, problems getting oxygen to the blood and even death.
Symptoms of Blood Clot In Lung
Common symptoms of a blood clot in lung include shortness of breath, chest pain that is worse with breathing, symptoms worse with activity, passing out and a sense of breathlessness and doom. As mentioned before a blood clot in the lung begins with a blood clot that starts in the veins of the leg. This can lead to leg swelling, redness, cramping and pain.
Diagnosing a Blood Clot In Lung
When a blood clot in lung is suspected patients should be sent to an emergency department for evaluation. The most widely used test, and the one considered the best test is a CT scan called a CT pulmonary angiogram. This can give us not only a diagnosis of blood clot in lung, but also information about the extent of the clot. An ultrasound scan of the heart known as an echocardiogram may be performed to give information on how the right side of the heart responds to the clot. In addition, blood tests (such as troponin and D-dimer) and ultrasound scans of the leg can provide important information.
Treating a Blood Clot In Lung
In some cases, blood clots in lungs are so large and serious emergency treatment is needed to keep people alive. These are known as massive pulmonary embolisms and patients will present with sudden death, or in severe shock. Treatment of a massive blood clot in lung may include clot-busting medications, open-heart surgery, minimally invasive surgery or use of a life support machine. For those clots in lung that are not massive but still large, treatments such as clot busting medications or minimally invasive procedures may still be used in cases considered to be of high risk. In most cases of blood clot in lung however, the mainstay of treatment will be blood-thinning medications. These will often need to be taken for a period ranging from 6 months to life long depending on the circumstances. The cause of the clot will need to be found and treated appropriately.
its good
its so good and article, informative with demostrations, but alarming with a close friend who has developed a large clot in the lung – I hope with enhanced medications, surgery will not be a necessary option.
its so good and article, informative with demostrations, but alarming with a close friend who has developed a large clot in the lung – I hope with enhanced medications, surgery will not be a necessary option.
I had a blood clot in my lungs and am age 85 male. Was in hospitals (2) for 7 days and came home to rest up. Take a blood pill at 9AM and 9PM daily and maybe for rest of my life. Feel pretty well and collect urine in a leg bag, They but a blocker in my blood vien to the heart and lungs. so clots do not move up. Have seen blook clots in my urine bag almost each day.
thank you for this information for a person who is not of medical school
Thankyou for this information. I am in hospital at the moment with a blood clot in the right lung due to a ruptured Achilles. This information has been very helpful for myself and my family to be able to comprehend the risks and procedures of this condition
Thank you
Glad you found it useful.
You can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
Thank you to the information I really dided it Bc my boyfriend has blood clout in the lungs and I want to help him to get better and now I know what to do
Hi my name is Jacki it was about comeing up for three years now in October whe I have Blood clots in my lungs and I never thought it was so dangers for me it took a lot of listing to the doctors and my wife she was brilliant for me I do not think I would have ever got over it just take your time please.
I WORK IN HEALTH CARE NOW THE MAN I LOVE HAS BLOOD CLOTS IN LUNG HE’S AT HOME WITH FAMILY ON OXYGEN 2 LITERS HE IS WALKING ,DRIVING EATING ,PAYING BILLS AND IT’S ONLY BEEN 2 WEEKS SINCE IT HAPPENED GOD PLEASE HELP HIM RECOVER I LOVE AND NEED HIM I WILL GO IF HE DOES I CANNOT BE WITHOUT HIM SO I WILL MAKE HIM BETTER …AMEN LISTEN TO THIS POST IT’S TRUE AND ACCURATE …BLOOD THINNERS DO BREAK UP CLOTS SLOWLY …TAKE YOUR TIME IT WILL SAVE YOU …AMEN
Tina I found out 12-1-17 have blood clots in right leg and lung spent 5 days in hospital with shot to my stomach and now on blood thinners. Starting back to work on 12-15-17 your thoughts. Thanks Ed Pilley.
Hi there just tell him to listen to doctors and you I was the same it’s four years coming up this month and it was hard for me if it was not for my wife I would not be here it all takes time just tell him to take it easy yous will get through it hen how will help that’s all I did was prayer.xx
I have blood clot in my lungs.I am getting treatment from Heart Insititute Mulago Uganda.
Thanks God the Doctors are very cooperative .But no free drugs in this government hospital ,you have to buy and the drugs are very expensive,and If you have no money you die.
My dear friends the blood clots has killed many and it pains a lot .
My advice to all keep going for medical check up.
Worried Peter.
Peter,
I just read your story and that’s horrible that you are in a hospital that is so human ignorant. I’m praying for you, I don’t know you but I really hope your doing well.
I had a bad blood clot in my lungs a couple of years ago and died three times. I have no idea how I got it and I felt nothing before t happened except I felt like I was going to faint. The first one was at home & my husband laid me on the ground and went to get help, when he returned he slipped on the concrete (he had socks on) and accidently kicked me in my side which brought me back..can only assume he moved it enough to recover and the other two were when I got to the hospital. No one can tell me why I had it, I had no pain in legs or anywhere where so now it is a mystery why and how. I am on Warfarin for the rest of my life and am always worried it will happen again so my question is – where did this come from?
It started in your leg as a blood clot. Read the linked article and tell me if you have any further questions. https://myheart.net/articles/pulmonary-embolism-the-killer-clot-in-the-lungs/
If you are interested in information and therapy for heart disease then feel free to follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Thank you. I want to learn more.
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I just found out I had blood clots in both my lungs on the 13 Jul. I had pain on my left side then traveled to my right side and stayed there for three days until i went to the hostipal cause the pain was to much to handle anymore. I was in the ER then got admitted to the hostipal for 2 days. I am a single mother and nervous as hell. I am on pain killers cause the blood clots formed on my nerves in my lungs. So breathing, moving everything hurts. I am going to beat this. My son n my boyfriend are great supporters. But i have my moments.
My mother went to the hospital and has several blood clots in her lungs. She was short of breath and sweats but feels good otherwise. She has spent the night and was given blood thinners and the next day is being sent home. The Dr. stated that he was amazed at how well she was breathing given all that she has going on. Is this a typical treatment? The Dr. had her walk around the hall and she was able to keep her oxygen up. Just feel like she should stay in the hospital longer. They said they were “small” blood clots.
There is good evidence that early mobilization and discharge for small clots is a good strategy.
If you are interested in information and therapy for heart disease then feel free to follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
The article has been very informative. I have been truly blessed having had the exposure to blood clot in my lungs. Thank God I have been treated and currently taking blood thinners. I am being montior under primary care doctor.
My sister had blood clots travel from her legs into her right lung, now they ran tests and found stress on the right side of her heart….. thier keeping her over night tonight, should I be worried??????
Its better she is watched in hospital to make sure she is stable prior to discharge, particularly if right heart strain seen. This way the correct treatment can also be initiated.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
I found out have a blood clot in right leg as well as my lung. Spent 5 days at hospital. Was put on blood thinners. Yes I am worried need to get back to work your thoughts.
Many people that have had a DVT and a PE, return to normal life and do very well.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Dr. Mustafa now that I am out of the hospital and on blood thinners is there still a chance that the blood clot in my leg and lung still cause serious health issues or even death still a bit worried. Real worried DR.Mustafa. Thanks Ed Pilley.
The clots should in most cases disappear in the short term with blood thinner treatment.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Dr. Ahmed Ed Pilley again on my blood clots in right leg and lung was in hospital 5 days gave me shots in my stomach. I was released and put on blood thinner DR. Ahmed still worried is there still a chance of serious health issues or even possible death your thoughts. Thanks Ed Pilley.
DR.Ahmed Ed Pilley diagnose with blood clot in leg 6 to 7″ long and large clot in lung have been of work since 5-1-17 going back 1-2-18 leg is still swelling not as bad as it has been. Will be driving right at two hours to work and two hours back and 10 hours of work will be taken blood thinner twice daily. Your thoughts. Thanks Ed Pilley.
Hi Ed, i don’t offer direct medical management on here, you would have to get that answered by your primary provider. They may perform an ultrasound of the leg. The blood thinning treatment should prevent formation of further clots and prevention of further events.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Thank you much DR. Ahmed. Ed Pilley
Blood Thinners will Deff Help you, I had a Blood Clot in 2013 That I was walking in the Mall when all of a Sudden Pain shot across the back of my Neck and I stood still took another Step and Did it again I Drove to Hospital and was Told I had a Clot on my Left Lung and stayed in Hospital 5 Days getting shots in my Stomach every day and They Put a IVC Filter in My vein and now I have to Have a Total Knee Replacement and I Take Xarelto 20mg a day Because I Dont want to take Comiden and have to go get checked every week so xarelto they say works just fine-I had it in 2013 so I dont know if its still there or Not,But the surgeon told me I was at Higher Risk getting a Clot since I had one Before but I said I have the IVC filter in that should stop any clots from going up but he said i could get one somewhere else I was suppose to have it today and they cancelled it for a week so I can come off xarelto and take shots of lovenox for 5 days up till 24hrs before surgery and i am not sure i even want to go through with it now
i had bloood clots on both lungs pass though heart had iinjections for 7months and taken off all bloood thinners……iask consulant if they would come back he said we will deal with it when we come to it…………………………………………………………………………….i will have another ct scan keeps chaging mind ive never seen exray of my lung ian a bit worried ………………………….ive had scans 3months ago one with gas ………………………………not a plesent consulant when i came out of hosptail i never saw any one 4 3months……………………..i went private 168pounds and never listened to my chest…………………his allways late keeping sick and dieing people waiting………..iam so stressed my hair is falling out…………….any advice please sandra
i nearly died………………………symtons like a panic attack i keep getting low blood presssure and feel like i am passing out i told him this he said not the lungs mabe my heart……………………………………..
my website: https://llbeanadventures.com/
I put my story together (also my adventures with pictures) with my medical records of stenting ivc vein down to both legs.
I am hoping anyone in the medical will read “stent surgery reports’ to learn.
I also had pte surgery patient #792
It will take me some time to upload more medical records – you can find them on the last page.
I study my case in haven’t found anyone else as bad off as me.
My sister in law just called me from suburb of Chicago and my 53 year old brother has been admitted and CT indicated 3 blood clots in his lungs. Heart rate was low (in the 50’s) but he is a runner. Nurse said he is stable but this is critical. Should we be worried?
No family history of this. He said his chest felt like he was having a heart attack but heart is fine based on EKG and chest X-ray that was done in the ER. Please advise
It seems like he is past the most concerning point. Blood thinner and close follow up are important now.
My husband was jusr diagnosed with 3 DVTs in left leg and extensive clots in both lungs. Still has some slight SOB with exertion but continues to have tacycardia at rest. On blood thinners now. Is the tacycardia normal even after the thinners? How long will it take for clots to resolve!
The clots should resolve during the first few days to weeks. In general people that have a large clot burden may take a little while to bounce back however if this is not the case in a few weeks then further testing may be indicated. You need to be under the care of a dedicated specialist. In our center we have a PE clinic with combined cardiology and pulmonary input.
you can follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
I have a blood clot in my lungs, they did not tell me what size. I was in the hospital for a day and than sent home with blood thinners. My Dr. was unable to give me the answers I need, I go to my cardiologist next month and maybe he can tell me more. I fell they all have dropped the ball because I have complained about leg swelling and pain in the legs for years but no one told me I could have a blood clot. Can you tell me if I can do my house work or not like mopping and binding. People tell me to stay in bed so clot will not move to the heart just what can I do ? I am so worried I stay nauseated.
In general, once discharged home activity is not restricted, and is done as tolerated in patients with dvt/pe that are stable with treated disease. Its odd that your treating drs did not clearly discuss your activity levels, hopefully you have a follow up soon where you can discuss these things.
My boyfriend had a MRI . Doctor told him , there blood clots in the lung. He was saying there something behind blood clots . Me and family are very worried ! What you think about this . Thank You
Good Day,
On the the 31 October 2017, my sister passed away of an aneurysm on lungs, as per the results of an autopsy. I need clarity on this case.
He husband work for ER24 ambulance services , he went around their house between 15h00 – 16h00, and found her laying between the bed and wall, he left her there, and returned to his duties.
On his returned after his shift ended at 19h00, he found her on the same place. Contacted his ER crew, they declared my sister dead even before the police was on the scene.
And as per the autopsy she passed on at 19h56. Please I would like to know, if he had help her the first time(15h00- 16h00) would she still be alive today?
DR. Mustafa going in 4 months still a little swelling in my leg still on Blood thinners but still rolling on. Thanks Ed
DR. Mustafa going on 8 months leg still bothers me some on Eliquis 5 milligrams twice daily will leg bothering me stop or will I just have to get used to it. Thanks Ed
My 50 year old brother has been having back flank pain. Scheduled for a squeeze test for his gallbladder. When arriving for test he was in so much pain they sent him to the ER. thinking he has kidney stones. Test all came back negative. He was a little short of breath….ended up having small clots in lungs. Sono on legs, negative. They have no idea why or where clots originated from. He is on a loaded dose of eliquis for 7 days 10mg. In a.m. and p.m. then 5mg.tiwce daily for 3 to 6 months…..continues with back flank pain. Test does show gall bladder not functioning as should. Question I am asking is if he should get a second opinion or does this all seem correct. Do you have back pain with this? .
Have kidney abnormalities been ruled out by a urologist?
you can follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
No, just on blood thinner and sent him home 2 days later. I will suggest this to my brother. Thank you……
I recently had surgery June 13 for meniscus of right Knee. After surgery was told that it was tight in there and they had to stretch a ligament to do the meniscus said the lig might have torn some but would heel on its own. I came home and they had certain instructions. I did not do a lot of movement because of pain was worried that I might tear something. Anyway went back in 5 days later with swelling and pain. They did an ultra sound of my right leg and said that there was some fluid built around the back side of my knee also a little blood build up but not significant. Told me to elevate and ice for swelling. did so went back in for stitch removal after two weeks and Dr. said walk around room get a stationary bike and ride it. Still having the pain around my knee so I walked some but was still worried about something tearing because they said my situation was going to take a little more time to heal. Anyway On July 6 got very sick that evening; heart racing fast, feeling dizzy, sweating, coughing, feeling sick to stomach, had wife take me to hospital. Did some testing took X-ray of lungs to rule our pneumonia. ended up getting a Ct scan with dye. Was airlifted to larger city. They immediately went to work on me with different tests and I had AFIB and two outer clots in my right lung and one in my right calf area, same side as surgery checked my heart to make sure no cats and had to shock my heart to get it back in the correct rhythm. I was put on blood thinners and monitored and then sent home the next day. I am home now taking Eloquis blood thinner, was wondering if I would be having some pains in the back area under ribs because of clots in lung also do you think more exercising to help knee worried that therapy too much might do something with clots. How long till I start seeing some improvement with this. Looking for some advice along with my doctors Thanks
Its unfortunately difficult to comment usefully on such a complex situation without full details and knowledge of the scenario. If there are blood clots in the lung and you are stable the blood thinner would be the treatment regardless. See what your treating team says.
you can follow our twitter at @mustafaahmedmd
i to arrived home after a 6 hr. flight and started with what i thought was a chest cold. After two weeks of coughing I was told that i had a viral infection and took Mucinex. I returned to my doctor 3 times in several and was diagnosed with a good size blood clot in my right lung.i was treated for my lung congestion wit breathing therapy and sent home with a prescription for Xarelto 15 mg. for 2 weeks and a lesser strength to follow till I see the Dr, in mid january I can still feel some crackling in my chest. Will the DR. be able to tell if the clot has gotten smaller.
It depends if a ct scan is done.
feel free to follow our twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
I’ve been hospitalized numerous times with blood clots in my lungs. The first time I was having a hard time breathing and went to the ER. I was told I had 4 clots in my right lung and 2 in my left. I stayed 2 weeks in ICU. I was prescribed Coumadin and sent home. Two weeks later I was back in the ER feeling as though I was having a heart attack. Apparently Coumadin doesn’t work for me. I was told the doctors never witnessed a patient alive with as many thick masses of clots in both lungs as myself. I was also told to call my family because I had little chance I’d make it through the night. I had the largest mass 1cm from going into the main valve of my heart. If it moved the slightest I’d expire. I underwent 2 operations clearing each lung with clot buster and spent a month and a half in the hospital. I’m fortunate to be here. The doctors couldn’t determine the reason for all of the clotting. I don’t smoke, drink, hadn’t had surgery or trauma recently that the clots would have came from. I wasn’t immobile, overweight or on birth control. I was screened for factor 5 and am negative. But my paternal grandmother passed away from blood clots. I had clots twice more until I was put on Xaralto. Since then I take it daily and have been clot free.
I don’t know if this thread is still going but I have blood clots in my lungs I’m not sure how many or the size but is it normal to have a popping or gurgling feel in my chest and back feels like it’s in my lungs when I breathe deep
Partner has blood clot on both lungs, from the back of catching Covid, They left the hospital after 1 week and were given blood-thinning tablets to take for 3 weeks
Still has breathing difficulties and hurts when they cough, finds it hard to sleep from the coughing, and now a feeling of stitches which has gone from one side of his stomach area to the other.
Is there anything I can get them to assist with the discomfort they are experiencing at home? Away from drinking fluid any food suggestions to take alongside the blood-thinning tablets?
Hello, My daughter is in the hospital at this time with blood clots in both lungs and a piece of lung is dead. She has had trouble with varicose veins and even had some removed at one time and says she will never do that again. She was told when her legs continued to hurt, that she that this problem does not develop to a blood clot, nor moves up. She is a school teacher and is overweight. The Dr today also said there is a restriction on one side of her heart. Does any of this make since to you? I want to thank you for all the info I have read from you and patients so far. God Bless you all and my only lovely daughter. Marilyn