Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in a lung artery by a blood clot or other item. It can be fatal if it cuts off the blood supply to a large part of the lung. Pulmonary emboli strike about 6 million Americans each year. Almost 2 out of every 100 cases are fatal. Most cases come from blood clots in the veins of the leg. If the clot becomes loose, it can travel through the blood stream until it is stuck in a small vessel. Rarely, the lump, or embolus, is made up of fat, tumor cells, or other foreign items.

Blood clots in the lungs are often caused by clots from veins in the legs. Many cases are among persons already hospitalized for other reasons. A person is more likely to have clots after surgery, stroke, long term bed rest or inactivity, or fractures of the hip or legs. There is a somewhat higher risk among overweight people and during pregnancy.

If a clot lodges in the lungs, there may be sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, and a low fever. The patient sometimes tightens chest muscles to avoid pain and may have swollen legs. A person with a large clot may pass out, appear bluish in color, and have bulging neck veins.

Most clots resolve with 10 to 14 days. Treatment consists of oxygen therapy and blood thinners that prevent further blood clots. Patients with large clots may need agents that break up the clot. Extreme cases may require emergency surgery.

Persons recovering from pulmonary embolism, or people at high risk of one, often take blood thinning pills for several months. They should consult their healthcare provider before taking other drugs. Keeping as active as possible is the best prevention. Other useful measures include:
* avoid crossing your legs when sitting,
* take breaks to move legs on long trips,
* walk as soon as possible after surgery,
* if confined to bed, exercise by pushing feet against a board,
* elevate your legs now and then,
* wear support stockings,
* follow a low fat diet, and
* stay fit.

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