DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

Back to Globe
Pulmonary Disease

Pulmonary Embolism

HIGH SEVERITY

A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots that travel from deep veins in the legs (DVT). Life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment. Can cause sudden death if massive.

Global Affected

10.0M

Countries

89

Symptoms

Sudden shortness of breath
Chest pain (worse with breathing)
Cough (may have blood)
Rapid heart rate
Rapid breathing
Sweating
Fainting
Anxiety
Leg swelling/pain (DVT)

Treatment Options

Anticoagulation (heparin, DOACs, warfarin)
Thrombolytic therapy
Surgical embolectomy
Catheter-directed therapy
IVC filter placement
Oxygen therapy
Supportive care

Risk Factors

1Recent surgery
2Immobility
3Cancer
4Previous DVT/PE
5Pregnancy
6Oral contraceptives/HRT
7Obesity
8Smoking
9Genetic clotting disorders
10Age >60
11Long travel

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA)
  • 2D-dimer test
  • 3V/Q scan
  • 4Echocardiogram
  • 5Lower extremity ultrasound
  • 6Troponin/BNP (heart strain)
  • 7ECG (S1Q3T3 pattern)

Prognosis

30-day mortality 5-10% for diagnosed PE. Higher if undiagnosed. Massive PE has 25-50% mortality. Good with prompt treatment. Recurrence risk 5-10% annually without anticoagulation.

Prevention

  • DVT prophylaxis (hospitalized)
  • Early ambulation after surgery
  • Compression stockings
  • Intermittent pneumatic compression
  • Anticoagulation (high-risk)
  • Avoid prolonged immobility
  • Stay hydrated during travel

Research Status

Anticoagulation is mainstay (heparin, warfarin, DOACs). Thrombolysis for massive PE. Embolectomy for hemodynamically unstable patients. IVC filter if anticoagulation contraindicated. Risk stratification guides treatment intensity.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanBrazilMexicoRussiaChinaIndiaSwedenNorwayFinlandNetherlandsBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaDenmarkPolandCzech RepublicHungaryRomaniaBulgariaCroatiaSloveniaSlovakiaLTLVEEIrelandPortugalGreeceCYMTLUIcelandNew ZealandSouth KoreaTaiwanSingaporeHong KongMalaysiaThailandIndonesiaPhilippinesVietnamSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaUAEQatarKuwaitBHOmanJordanLebanonSyriaIraqIranPakistanBangladeshLKMMKHLAMNKPUzbekistanKazakhstanKGTJTMAzerbaijanAMGEUkraineBelarusMDALBAMKMESerbiaXK

Sources

  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-embolism
  • https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/PE.html
  • https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/pulmonary-embolism

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.