Sometimes a blood clot can move into a major blood vessel and cause blockage. This condition is pulmonary embolism, which can cause life-threatening complications in case the clot is large. Usually, the clots are small but they can still cause damage to the lung. A larger clot can stop the flow of blood to the lung, which may cause symptoms such as a cough that brings up foamy mucus, sudden shortness of breath, and a sharp pain in the chest that becomes worse when you take a deep breath. It is important to see your doctor when you experience these symptoms to prevent any problems caused.
Yes, with pulmonary embolism death is possible in case a large blood clot suddenly blocks the blood flow to the lung. This may result in sudden death. Statistics show that about one-third of people with untreated and undiagnosed pulmonary embolism die because of complications. There are good chances of survival though in case the condition is diagnosed and treated in time.
Blood clots that cause pulmonary embolism usually do not require treatment and dissolve on their own. However, you are more likely to develop a serious case of pulmonary embolism if you have had an episode in the past. And when it comes to recurrent pulmonary embolism death becomes a more likely complication. Once diagnosed, it is important to treat your condition with anticoagulant medicines, which help prevent new clot formation.
It is important to understand that some people may develop pulmonary embolism by something other than a blood clot. You can have an episode due to substances such as fat, air, or amniotic fluid, but these substances usually do not increase your risk of having another episode. Still, if you have to deal with blood clots often, you may have to live with reduced blood flow through the heart and lungs. This overtime increases blood pressure in the lungs and eventually leads to right-sided heart failure and death.
Even if pulmonary embolism does not prove fatal on its own, it leaves you with several complications. It can lead to pulmonary hypertension in which the blood pressure in the right side of your heart and in your lungs is too high. Your heart has to work harder when there is any obstruction in the arteries within your lungs, which in turn increases your blood pressure and weakens your heart.
Although it is rare, small embolic can occur frequently and result in chronic pulmonary hypertension. Some other complications include abnormal heart rhythms, shock, cardiac arrest, pulmonary infarction, paradoxical embolism, pleural effusion, and pulmonary hypertension.
Main treatment for pulmonary embolism involves keeping the blood clots from forming or getting bigger. Prompt treatment improves chances of recovery and prevents serious complications, including pulmonary embolism death.
When it comes to pulmonary embolism death is possible if left untreated. Certain factors also increase your risk, but you can take some steps to lower your risk of developing pulmonary embolism. For instance:
Be sure to talk to your doctor if you are at a greater risk of developing clots and want to travel long distances. They may suggest ways to reduce your risk of developing a clot, such as taking short walks whenever possible, doing leg exercise, getting active on re-fueling stopovers, and wearing compression stockings.