Everything You Should Know About Pulmonary Embolism

Other Treatments

Treatment for an embolism aims to destroy or remove an existing blood clot, prevent new clots from forming, and keep the clot from growing. If a pulmonary embolism becomes severe or life threatening, a clot-busting drug known as a thrombolytic may be used to dissolve the clot quickly and restore oxygen and blood flow to the lung. Thrombolytic medications are highly effective, but they may also increase the risk of bleeding; therefore, they should not be taken by anyone who bleeds easily or has atrial fibrillation. Surgery is an option if a blood clot becomes dangerous. A minimally invasive procedure to remove the clot called an embolectomy is also available. If the patient has low blood pressure, dopamine may be administered to increase blood pressure. Patients usually need to take medications for at least three months to remove a clot.

Prevention Techniques

To prevent a pulmonary embolism, avoid sitting for extended periods of time. Stop and take a ten-minute walking break while on long road trips. If that is not possible, try flexing the feet often to get the blood moving. After a major surgery, ask to walk as soon as possible. Drinking lots of water will help circulate the blood. Avoid excessive caffeine or drinks with alcohol. Wearing compression socks may help if a person is at high risk. Be sure to take blood thinners as instructed by a medical professional. Avoiding or quitting smoking is also a good preventative measure to take. In addition, wearing an inflatable glove, sleeve, or boot may be used to hold the affected area and increase pressure where needed.