Generally speaking, an embolism is a blood clot that breaks loose and obstructs blood flow. Pulmonary embolism is a serious condition when a blood clot becomes lodged in an artery in the lungs. This can block blood flow to the lungs and can be a life-threatening situation if not dealt with promptly. So, how long can you live before pulmonary embolism kills you?
No specific time limit is associated with this condition; however, cardiac arrest and death from pulmonary embolism are painful and can occur at any point.
Is Blood Clot (emboli) Fatal?
A blood clot can be potentially fatal if it lodges in certain parts of your body, such as the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or brain (stroke).
However, you must know that not all blood clots result in fatality. The prognosis depends on multiple factors, like the size and location of your clot, underlying health condition, and whether or not timely and appropriate treatment reaches you.
If you suspect that you or even someone else may have a blood clot, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Blood clots are easily treatable with the help of blood thinners. Moreover, procedures such as clot removal or thrombolysis can effectively break up the clot to get rid of the emboli.
It is important that you observe and decipher the signs of a pulmonary embolism attack so that it does not kill you abruptly.
10 Signs or Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism or (PE) for short, is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot gets stuck in your lungs. It can potentially kill you if not treated promptly.
Here are 10 signs of pulmonary embolism:
- Sudden shortness of breath is the most common and often the first symptom of PE.
- Sharp stabbing chest pain or a constant dull ache, which worsens when you take a deep breath or cough.
- An increase in heart rate due to pulmonary embolism is common. It makes your heart beat faster than normal to compensate for the less blood flow to your lungs.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness is seen due to low oxygen levels in your blood resulting from blocked oxygenated blood flow to your lungs.
- Sweating or clammy skin
- Rapid coughing with mucus that comes out with a bloody or pink tinge.
- Anxiety or a sense of impending doom is basically fear and panic due to breathing difficulties.
- The skin turns bluish because of the low levels of oxygen in your blood.
- Swelling in your legs or abdomen is caused by a blood clot in a vein in your leg that has traveled to your lungs.
- Obstruction of oxygenated blood in your brain can result in fainting.
Final Words
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. For chest tightness or breathing problems, get in touch with a pulmonologist directly. If you live in Tomball, get in touch with the best lung doctor in Tomball, TX, from Pulmonary Medical Consultants. Dial (281) 357-1300 to connect with us.