Pulmonary embolism

Definition

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots that travel from the legs or other parts of the body. It can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Risk factors for PE include prolonged immobility, surgery, certain medical conditions, and lifestyle factors such as smoking.
2. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that may become worse when breathing in, and coughing up blood.
3. Proper hydration and a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce the risk of clot formation.
4. Nutritional support for patients with PE often focuses on maintaining an optimal weight and managing dietary intake to support cardiovascular health.
5. Anticoagulant medications are commonly used to treat PE; dietary considerations are important as certain foods can interact with these medications.

Review Questions

• What are common symptoms associated with a pulmonary embolism?
• How can nutrition play a role in reducing the risk of developing a pulmonary embolism?
• Why is it important to consider dietary interactions when a patient is on anticoagulant medications?

Related terms

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A condition where blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the legs, which can lead to PE if they travel to the lungs.

Anticoagulants:

Medications that help prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger; essential in managing conditions like PE.

Hemoptysis: The act of coughing up blood, which can be a symptom of serious conditions like pulmonary embolism.