Pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism is one of the five most common vascular diseases in most countries and is characterized by a blockage of the trunk or branches of the pulmonary artery, causing obstruction of pulmonary circulation. It is a pathology that is difficult to detect due to the wide range of symptoms it presents and can cause permanent damage to the lungs and other organs because they do not receive enough oxygen.

Some of the non-genetic risk factors associated with pulmonary embolism are:

• Age (>65 years)
• Obesity
• Antiphospholipid syndrome diseases, cancer, chronic inflammatory pathologies and thrombophilia.
• Prolonged immobilization, severe injuries and fractures such as a hip fracture, major surgery
• Use of oral contraceptives, pregnancy and puerperium, cesarean section, estrogen therapy.
• Low physical activity and sedentary lifestyle, poor quality diet, smoking

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain that increases on inhalation
• Coughing up blood
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting due to a sudden loss of blood pressure.
• Pain and swelling in the legs
• Excessive sweating
• Bluish fingernails and lips

For the prevention of pulmonary embolism there are certain recommendations that can help reduce the risk, such as regular physical activity, moving regularly without sitting for long periods of time in the same position, maintaining a healthy weight, adequate hydration, following a balanced diet and not smoking. If you have suffered a thrombotic event or if you have a family history of deep vein thrombosis you should inform your doctor.