Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the arteries in the lungs. This can block blood flow to the lungs and can be life-threatening. There are a number of things that can increase your risk of developing a PE, including:
- Having a history of blood clots
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a family history of PE
- Being pregnant
- Taking certain medications, such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
- Having surgery or a recent injury
- Being immobile for long periods of time
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent PE, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Getting regular exercise
- Eating a healthy diet
- Avoiding smoking
- Taking precautions to prevent blood clots, such as wearing compression stockings and getting up and moving around frequently if you are immobile for long periods of time
- Talking to your doctor about your risk of PE and what you can do to prevent it
PE is a serious medical condition, but it can be prevented. By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of developing a PE.
PE is a common complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. DVT can occur for a variety of reasons, including: