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Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is a condition that stems from repeated or unresolved pulmonary embolism, or clots, within the pulmonary arteries of the lungs.

Learn more about:

• Pulmonary hypertension
• The risks and symptoms of blood clots
• Pulmonary embolism symptoms and treatment
• Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy

To learn more about CTEPH or to schedule an appointment with a CTEPH specialist, call 412-648-6161, or toll-free at 1-877-PH4-UPMC, or email PHprogram@upmc.edu.

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    string(7113) "We tend to think of high blood pressure as a problem that affects the heart. But in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), the blood pressure in your lungs can rise, often to dangerous levels. While this relatively rare condition can be life threatening, there's good news: CTEPH is the only type of pulmonary hypertension that can be completely resolved with surgery in some people.
CTEPH is Rare But Risky
High blood pressure in the blood vessels within your lungs is known as pulmonary hypertension. This problem can force the right side of your heart to work harder, which over time causes your heart to enlarge.

CTEPH is a form of pulmonary hypertension that can occur when a patient develops a chronic pulmonary embolism, where an embolism (clot) gets stuck in one of the lung's blood vessels and turns into scar-like tissue. This can block blood flow within the lung, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath — especially during and after physical activity — and fatigue.

Pulmonary embolisms tend to form in people who have been sedentary for long periods of time due to illness, surgery, or even a long plane flight. Smoking, obesity, use of birth control pills, and conditions like heart disease and cancer can also increase your odds of experiencing a pulmonary embolism.
CTEPH Causes and Risk Factors
Having one or more pulmonary emboli during your lifetime is a major risk factor for developing CTEPH. You're also more likely to develop CTEPH if you:

 	
Have had your spleen removed
 	
Have or have had cancer
 	
Have a chronic inflammatory disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease
 	
Have a family history of pulmonary hypertension
 	
Are female
 	
Are otherwise at high risk for developing blood clots

However, some people can develop CTEPH without having these or any other risk factors for the condition.
CTEPH Tests and Diagnosis
If your doctor suspects that you might have CTEPH, he or she may use one or more of the following tests to diagnose it:

 	
Ventilation/Perfusion Scan or "V/Q Scan" – This test shows any areas in the lung that are not receiving the appropriate amount of blood flow due to blockage of the arteries by clots.
 	
Echocardiogram – Also known as a heart sonogram, this painless procedure is often used to make a preliminary diagnosis by estimating the pressures in the right heart and assessing how well the heart is functioning.
 	
CT scan or CT angiogram – This test is to look for blood clots and to evaluate the condition of the rest of the lung besides the arteries.
 	
Pulmonary angiography – X-rays are used to show blood flow through the lungs.
 	
Heart catheterization – This test measures the pressure inside the arteries.

When properly treated, people with CTEPH can live as long as those without any history of pulmonary hypertension.
CTEPH Treatment Options

 	
Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) – Surgeons open the pulmonary arteries and remove the clot, restoring proper blood flow to the lungs. Depending on how advanced the disease is, this surgery can cure up to 90 percent of all patients.
 	
Medications – In the 10 percent of people for whom PTE doesn't work, medications can provide a secondary treatment option.
 	
Lung transplant – When surgery or medications fail to cure CTEPH, some people may become candidates for a lung transplant.

Your doctor can tell you more about these options and answer any questions you have about CTEPH.
To learn more about CTEPH or to schedule an appointment with a CTEPH specialist, call  412-648-6161, or toll-free at  1-877-PH4-UPMC, or email PHprogram@upmc.edu.
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• CTEPH: Another Kind of High Blood Pressure

  During chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), the blood pressure in your lungs can rise, often to dangerous levels. Read more about the causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options for this condition.Read More

  

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    string(13153) "Ask the Expert: M. Patricia George, MD
Question: What are the different types of lung disease?
Answer: Lung disease is a huge category that includes many diseases. One simplified way to think about the different types of diseases is by where in the lung they target. For example, there are diseases that attack the airways (the tubes in the lungs) such as COPD, asthma and bronchiectasis.
Then there are diseases that affect the lung tissue such as pulmonary fibrosis, coal miner's lung. There are also diseases that affect the blood vessels such as pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs).
And then there are diseases that can affect multiple parts of the lung, such as sarcoidosis which can affect the tissue or the airways or blood vessels. And lung cancers can come from different areas of the lung depending on the type of cancer.

Question: What do healthy lungs do that those with lung disease don't?
Answer: Healthy lungs are responsible for respiration - the process of getting oxygen into our bodies and also getting rid of carbon dioxide. Our bodies need oxygen for cells to be happy and function properly.
We breathe nearly 25,000 times per day, and normally this all happens in a very efficient manner - so efficient and automatic that we are not usually aware of it. That is until we have lung disease. Lungs can become diseases in different ways that affect how this process happens, but in general when lungs become impaired in their function, this process requires more energy and effort.
Examples would be an asthmatic who becomes short of breath and very uncomfortable from narrowed and inflamed airways, or a patient with a serious pneumonia who has an infection that is filling the air spaces and not allowing this process to happen efficiently.

Question: How can I decrease my chances of lung disease?
Answer: Don't smoke, or if you smoke cigarettes, quit. This is the number one step to decreasing chances of lung disease - especially COPD and lung cancer. Avoid second hand smoke.
Test your home for radon (while cigarette smoking is by far the greatest risk factor for developing lung cancer, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States). Avoid working with asbestos (and if your job requires it wear protective equipment) and protect yourself from dust and chemical fumes. Talk to your doctor about whether influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations are appropriate for you.

Question: If someone has pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) because of a Congenital Heart Defect and Bi-directional Shunting, is it possible they could also have PH because of Lung Agenesis/Hypoplasia or Restrictive Lung Disease?
Answer: Thank you for your question. Pulmonary hypertension can definitely be complicated, and can be due to a combination of causes.
And while congenital heart defect is likely the biggest contributor, there have been reports of pulmonary hypertension in approximately 19 percent of cases of unilateral agenesis of the lung (though it is more common in agenesis with someone who also has a left-to-right shunt) (Capuani et al. 1982). And yes, restrictive lung disease can contribute to PH as well.

Question: I am 72 years old, and I had Asthma as early as I can remember. In 2008, after frequent admission to the hospital without success of medications, I was then diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. Do you think I had PH after all these years, or is it possible the Asthma turned into PH?
Answer: It is unlikely that asthma would "turn into" PH. What may be the case is that you have two lung conditions, or as you suggest, that your symptoms were in fact due to PH.
Without the details of your case I cannot comment specifically on whether either of these is true (or another explanation altogether). However I will say that it is not uncommon that PH goes undiagnosed for years before the correct diagnosis is made.
That is one reason we are working so hard to raise awareness about the disease - to physicians and non-physicians alike.

Question: The doctors told me I have PH about a month ago, and they said it was mild. I'm very scared and on no medication right now. I have another echo In June, and I currently feel okay and am still going about life. What is in my future with this?
Answer: Thank you for sharing your question and what you are feeling right now about having a new diagnosis - and undoubtedly a lot of questions that come with it - is completely understandable and overwhelming.
The good news is you "feel ok" and that they said it was mild, but the next steps I would recommend are discussing with your physician more about pulmonary hypertension. Ask them what the next steps are and whether you need more testing or to see a PH specialist (even if only for a second opinion). Also, there is a lot of good information (and not so good) info on the internet about PH (as well as other lung diseases).
I highly recommend going to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association website. This is a fantastic organization that can provide you resources both online as well as connect you with people who live with PH and can support you in this. You are not alone.

Question: I was diagnosed with IPAH last year and right heart failure which caused three heart attacks. I was really sick all winter but the summer before as I kept my normal walking and physical activities I didn't have to be admitted. I did nothing in the winter but stay home doing nothing so I was hospitalized five times. I started my walking and am currently doing three miles a day without excretion keeping my Oximeter on and monitoring my HR. Will physical activities cause my PAH to get worse?
Thank you for your question and sharing your story. I'm sorry to hear you had a rough winter. It certainly was a rough (and long) one for all of us, especially those with respiratory conditions. In general, I am a big advocate of exercise when PAH is well-treated and the patient is seeing a PH specialist regularly.
Many PAH physicians agree that not only is exercise not harmful but that it may even be beneficial. That said, it is always important to talk to your PH specialist before starting an exercise program of any kind, and it is important to not exercise beyond the point where you have symptoms (light-headedness, chest pain, severe shortness of breath).
In patients who are starting out, pulmonary rehabilitation programs can be helpful in teaching safe limits of exercise as well as well-rounded programs. Plus, when you can do it, exercise is a part of actively taking an element of quality of life back. Good luck!

Question: I have PH and was diagnosed month ago. I also have sleep apnea. My doctor said I have a mild case. What is this disease outlook?
Answer: Although I do not have the details of your case to be able to talk to you about overall outlook, I will make a general statement to say that if you have mild PH, talking to your doctor about possible treatments as well as current risk factors that can make it worse would be helpful.
One such risk factor is sleep apnea. If you have untreated sleep apnea, which has been associated with pulmonary hypertension, treating it may help your condition. I recommend talking to your primary doctor and sleep doctor about this. Good luck.

Question: For those that are newly diagnosed with PH, how does a physician know which drug will be the best fit fit their patient when they determine they are in fact dealing with PAH.
Answer: After making that first step of establishing the diagnosis, of course the next challenge is deciding which treatment options are best to start.
When a PH doctor makes a diagnosis of PAH - pulmonary arterial hypertension - which means high blood pressure in the lungs due to a disease of the arteries in the lungs, the doctor also assesses other aspects of the patient's case.
How sick is the patient at this moment and how have they felt recently? Is there involvement of the right side of the heart in their disease? Do they have any underlying heart or lung disease or blood clots? Have they been on any therapies before?
These are some of the questions that a PH doctor will try to answer before initiating therapies, as different treatments help depending on the patient's whole condition.

Question: My doctor's philosophy is to wait for transplant until the last possible minute. Other doctors I've seen think it's time now. What markers should be used to decide when it's time?
Answer: In general, when patients are getting worse despite medical therapy, and there seem to not be other options available, it is a reasonable time to at least consider lung transplant. As a transplant physician, I would rather evaluate someone too soon (and if the patient is too healthy for transplant, hold off on listing and just follow them over time in the event that they worsen) rather than too late in the disease (when it becomes more difficult to try to address any medical or other problems that increase a patient's risk for transplant).
Earlier evaluation allows the patient and family to learn more about transplant from the center, and address any concerns that may arise in the evaluation process.

Question: Could scarring from pneumonia be a reason for interstitial lung disease?
Answer: There are many forms of interstitial lung disease (ILD) (diseases that affect the lung's structural tissue as opposed to diseases of the airways like COPD or asthma). And there are many known causes of ILD.
While I would not necessarily attribute ILD to scarring from a focal bacterial pneumonia, it is believed that lingering active infections or chronic ongoing infections may contribute to developing ILD.

Question: What are the factors that prevent you from being listed for lung transplant?
Answer: As for factors that prevent one from getting a lung transplant, this is also a complicated question, and varies based on transplant centers. But active smoking or active substance abuse, not going to the doctor or taking medications as prescribed are major "red flags."
There are other factors that - depending on severity - may prevent one from getting a lung transplant such as other serious medical conditions (severe irreparable heart disease, kidney or liver failure, sepsis), but it is best to talk to a transplant center about the individual patient to explore whether transplant is an option.
At our center we definitely evaluate patients on an individualized basis as everyone is unique. So while I cannot tell you current life expectancy after lung transplant, I can give you the median survival data from the latest data from the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation.
In patients transplanted from 2004-2011 is a median survival of 6.1years. This means that at 6.1 years after transplant, 50% of recipients are still alive. This is not life expectancy per se, as we don't really have good mathematical models to predict life expectancy after transplant.
To learn more about pulmonary hypertension or CTEPH or to schedule an appointment with a pulmonary hypertension specialist, call  412-648-6161, or toll-free at  1-877-PH4-UPMC, or email PHprogram@upmc.edu.
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• Pulmonary Hypertension Q&A

  Pulmonary hypertension, or PH, can be a complicated diagnosis, and may even be confusing at times. Dr. Patricia George, a pulmonologist at UPMC, answers some of your questions about PH and lung disease, which may help you address your concerns.Read More

  

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    string(5679) "Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs. This rare and life-threatening condition makes it difficult for blood to flow from the heart to the lungs. PH gets worse over time, and it affects men and women of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.

High blood pressure in the lungs places extra stress on the right side of your heart — and puts you at risk for heart failure and left heart disease, among other conditions.

The most common symptom of PH is shortness of breath with exertion, and this worsens over time.
Types of Pulmonary Hypertension

 	
Pulmonary Hypertension is a common term used to describe high blood pressure in the lungs, resulting from any cause.
 	
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension is a chronic condition that causes the lungs’ arteries to tighten, constricting blood flow. Over time, this condition can cause the heart to enlarge and become less flexible. Pulmonary arterial hypertension may be genetic or associated with another disease or condition, such as congenital heart disease or HIV.

Pulmonary Hypertension Symptoms
PH changes the cells that line your pulmonary arteries.

People with PH may notice that normal physical activities become more difficult to perform. They may also experience some of these symptoms:

 	
Lightheadedness
 	
Fatigue
 	
Cough or chest pain
 	
Passing out
 	
Inability to lay flat without being short of breath
 	
Swelling of the ankles or abdomen

Causes of Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension may be caused by a variety of different conditions, all of which affect blood pressure. The causes of PH include:

 	
Autoimmune diseases that damage the lungs, such as scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis
 	
Birth defects of the heart, heart failure, or heart valve disease
 	
Blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism), or other lung diseases such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis
 	
HIV infection
 	
Chronic low oxygen levels in the blood for a long time
 	
Certain medications
 	
Genetics

Risk Factors
These risk factors may make you more likely to develop PH:

 	
Family history of PH
 	
Obesity
 	
Sleep apnea
 	
Pregnancy
 	
The presence of certain drugs in your body, such as methamphetamines
 	
Living at high altitudes

How Is Pulmonary Hypertension Diagnosed?
Although it is a relatively uncommon disease, it is important to make an early and accurate diagnosis. If untreated, PH can lead to right heart failure and increased risk of death.

The only way to be sure about a pulmonary hypertension diagnosis is to consult with your physician or a pulmonologist who specializes in treating lung diseases.
Treatment for Pulmonary Hypertension
While treatment options for pulmonary hypertension are limited, physicians are able to control symptoms and minimize lung damage. Common treatments include medication taken orally, by the nose, or administered intravenously.

If medication isn’t successful in controlling symptoms, heart or lung transplantation may be considered.
Lifestyle Changes for Pulmonary Hypertension
If you’ve been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, it’s important to work closely with your health care provider.

 	
Know the names of your medications and take them as directed. Always consult with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medicines.
 	
You may want to consult with a dietitian. Those with pulmonary hypertension should be sure to eat foods high in potassium, fiber, and magnesium. They should limit their consumption of table salts and refined sugars, and stay away from fast food.
 	
If you’re overweight, your doctor will likely recommend a weight loss regimen. You should avoid heavy lifting or overly strenuous activities. Avoid smoking, chewing tobacco, or drinking alcohol.

Living with Pulmonary Hypertension
To learn more about pulmonary hypertension or to schedule an appointment with a pulmonary hypertension specialist, call 412-648-6161, or toll-free at 1-877-PH4-UPMC, or email PHprogram@upmc.edu.

Visit the UPMC Comprehensive Pulmonary Hypertension Program webpage for more information.

 

 

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• What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?

  Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the blood vessels in the lungs. Read more about this disease and why it’s important to talk to your physician or pulmonologist to help control symptoms and prevent further lung damage.Read More

  

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    string(3951) "When blood doesn't flow properly and slows too much, clots can form. Your body's ability to clot is lifesaving and involves many complex interactions.

Blood clots that get too large in veins or form abnormally can cause problems. Your body naturally dissolves blood clots on its own without any treatment or intervention; however, sometimes you can have complications when a blood clot breaks apart and travels to other areas of the body or when veins become blocked and painful.

What Are Blood Clots?
Blood clots can partially or completely block the blood flow in a blood vessel. A blocked vein leads to fluid buildup and swelling, such as that associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Blood clots can occur in different parts of the body. DVT often occurs in the large veins of the lower leg, while renal vein thrombosis develops in the vein that drains blood from the kidneys.

A blood clot can also get caught in an artery, blocking off the blood flow. This is called an arterial embolism. These often happen in the legs or feet.

Blood thinners are the most common treatment for blood clots and are used to prevent them for people at high risk.
RELATED: What is a "Blood Thinner?"
Vein Problems
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are small, twisty veins in the legs, calf, and thighs. When the blood vessels just under the skin expand, you get visible spider veins. Although we don't like the look of them, these are generally harmless and easily treatable.

What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged, swollen blood vessels. They happen when the blood is unable to flow back up through the legs and to the heart, causing the blood to pool.

In addition to being painful, varicose veins that cause circulation or blood flow problems can lead to blood clots or deep vein thrombosis.
Spider and varicose vein treatment
Treatment for spider veins and varicose veins is relatively easy, ranging from compression stockings to minor outpatient procedures.

Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for spider veins. In this procedure, a physician injects a saline solution into the damaged vein, causing it to harden and disappear.

Laser treatment or ablation, a procedure that uses intense heat, are commonly used to remove or destroy varicose veins.
RELATED: Frequently Asked Questions: Varicose Veins
Keep Your Blood Flowing
Risk factors are similar for vein problems and blood clots. Smoking greatly increases your risk, as does obesity, estrogens and birth control, and sitting or standing for long periods.

Staying active, quitting smoking, and managing your blood pressure are all important ways to prevent problems with clotting or blood flow.

Want to stay heart smart? Visit the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute online to learn more about blood clots and how they can affect your long-term health.

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  string(319) "If you cut yourself, you stop bleeding because your blood has clotted. And that’s a good thing. But when your blood clots in certain areas of the body where it shouldn’t, potentially life threatening conditions can arise. Learn more about what causes blood clots, risk factors, and how to prevent them from forming."
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• Beware of Blood Clots: What You Should Know

  If you cut yourself, you stop bleeding because your blood has clotted. And that’s a good thing. But when your blood clots in certain areas of the body where it shouldn’t, potentially life threatening conditions can arise. Learn more about what causes blood clots, risk factors, and how to prevent them from forming.Read More

  

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What Is Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)?
CTEPH is a form of pulmonary hypertension — or high blood pressure in the lungs — that can occur when an embolism (blood clot) gets stuck in a blood vessel in one of these organs. This can block blood flow within the lung, leading to symptoms such as:

 	
Chest pain
 	
Shortness of breath
 	
Fatigue

In this relatively rare condition, the blood pressure in your lungs can rise, often to dangerous levels. If you've been diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), you'll want to know about the best CTEPH treatment.
CTEPH Causes and Risk Factors
Having one or more pulmonary emboli during your lifetime is a major risk factor for developing CTEPH. If you have been treated for a pulmonary embolism and have continued shortness of breath or develop shortness of breath months or even years after completing your treatment, you should talk to your doctor about CTEPH.
CTEPH Treatment Options
Although CTEPH can be life threatening, it is treatable. In fact, this condition is the only type of pulmonary hypertension that can be cured with surgery in some people. This treatment, called pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE), has been found to cure about 90 percent of patients with CTEPH, depending on how advanced the disease is. Here's what you should know about CTEPH treatment:
Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy: Surgery for CTEPH
Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) is a complex procedure that requires a surgical team that is very experienced in this approach. During this type of surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in your chest and then uses special tools to clear blockages in the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. Because your heart will be stopped during PTE, you will need to be attached to a heart-lung machine, which will temporarily take over the function of your heart and lungs. About 10 percent of patients still experience symptoms after this CTEPH treatment, but the others have a complete resolution of the problem. Your doctor can tell you about the risks and benefits of PTE.

Your doctor will also determine whether or not PTE is right for you by weighing several different factors. These include:

 	
The severity of your symptoms
 	
How high your pulmonary blood pressure is
 	
Whether the clots can be reached through surgery
 	
Whether you have any other medical conditions

If you are not a candidate for surgery, or if you have persistent pulmonary hypertension after the procedure, there are medical treatments available to help manage your disease. However, patients should not delay an evaluation at a CTEPH center first to determine if they are candidates for potentially curative PTE.

If you would like to learn more about CTEPH and PTE as a treatment option or to schedule an appointment with a CTEPH specialist, visit the UPMC Comprehensive Pulmonary Hypertension Program website or call  412-648-6161, or toll-free at 1-877-PH4-UPMC, or email PHprogram@upmc.edu.

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  string(278) "If you've been diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), a surgical option available at UPMC may help you find relief. Learn more about  pulmonary thromboendarterectomy, a treatment option that has been found to cure about 90% of patients with CTEPH."
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• Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy: Surgery for CTEPH

  If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), a surgical option available at UPMC may help you find relief. Learn more about pulmonary thromboendarterectomy, a treatment option that has been found to cure about 90% of patients with CTEPH.Read More

  

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    ["post_content"]=>
    string(4076) "Anyone who has ever taken a lengthy plane flight or been sedentary for long periods of time due to illness or injury is at risk for a serious complication: a pulmonary embolism. In this sudden and dangerous event, an embolism, or blood clot, gets stuck in one of the blood vessels in your lungs and blocks blood flow within that organ. Untreated, a pulmonary embolism (also known as a "PE") can permanently damage your lung or other organs and may even lead to death. That's why it's so important to learn more about the causes and signs of a pulmonary embolism.

What Causes Pulmonary Embolisms?
Pulmonary emboli usually occur as the result of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in the leg that breaks loose and travels to your lung. You are more likely to develop DVT and a pulmonary embolism if you smoke, are obese, take birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, are pregnant, if you are inactive for long periods of time (such as after surgery) or have a condition such as heart disease or cancer.
Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms
Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can include:

 	
Chest pain
 	
Shortness of breath — especially during and after physical activity
 	
Fatigue
 	
Coughing (or coughing up blood)
 	
Fever
 	
Rapid heartbeat
 	
Dizziness
 	
Swelling and tenderness of the leg.

A pulmonary embolism is considered an emergency. If you suddenly have any of these symptoms, you should immediately call your doctor or 911.
Diagnosing Pulmonary Embolism
Your physician will use a variety of tests to diagnose a pulmonary embolism. These include:

 	
Blood tests
 	
Chest X-ray
 	
Doppler ultrasound
 	
Echocardiogram
 	
Computed tomography (CT) angiogram*
 	
Ventilation/Perfusion (VQ) scan*
 	
Pulmonary angiogram

* Most common imaging studies for diagnosing pulmonary embolism

Even though pulmonary emboli can be very dangerous, they often respond well to prompt treatment. Your physician may administer medications such as clot-dissolving drugs to break up a clot. He or she may also prescribe anticoagulants (blood thinners) to help prevent the blood from clotting further and forming new clots. In serious cases, you might need surgery to remove a large, life-threatening clot.
Prevention is Key
There's much you can do to help prevent new pulmonary embolisms from occurring. Get plenty of physical activity to keep blood flowing smoothing. You may also want to wear compression stockings, which provide steady pressure to your legs and promote optimal circulation. Elevate your legs when possible. When traveling or sitting for long periods of time, get up and walk around every hour or so and do a few deep knee bends. Flex your ankles, move your legs, and don't keep your legs crossed. And drink plenty of water, since dehydration can contribute to blood clot formation.

To learn more about pulmonary embolisms and their relationship with DVT and pulmonary hypertension, visit the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute website.

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  string(196) "A pulmonary embolism is a clot that gets stuck in one of the blood vessels in your lungs. Untreated, it can lead to permanent  lung damage, or even death. Find out more about this dangerous clot. "
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• Pulmonary Embolism: A Dangerous Clot

  A pulmonary embolism is a clot that gets stuck in one of the blood vessels in your lungs. Untreated, it can lead to permanent lung damage, or even death. Find out more about this dangerous clot.Read More

  

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