Do I Have A Risk For Pulmonary Embolism?

Have you been inactive or immobile for long periods of time due to bed rest or surgery?

Do you have a family history of a blood clotting disorder, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE)?

Do you have a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Do you have a personal history of heart attack, stroke, or cancer or are you receiving chemotherapy?

Do you sit for prolonged periods daily at work and at home or are you often forced to sit still for hours while traveling by motor vehicle, train or plane?

Have you recently had a vein injury, possibly due to surgery, a bone fracture, or do you have varicose veins?

Are you overweight (your body mass index (BMI) is over 25)?

Are you a smoker?

Are you over 60?

If you are a woman, are you pregnant or have you give birth in the previous 6 weeks?

If you are a woman, do you take birth control pills (oral contraceptives) or hormone replacement therapy?

Do you have a central venous catheter through your arm or leg (a catheter placed in to a large vein)?

Based on your answers you have a low risk for pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is a medical condition in which a blood clot, usually from deep veins in your legs, blocks the pulmonary artery. Pulmonary embolism is a serious health problem, but it can be prevented. Try to incorporate physical activity in your daily routine, eat a healthy diet, quit smoking and avoid alcohol. During long trips, drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and take a break from sitting whenever you can. Prolonged sitting slows blood flow in your legs, which increases the possibility of clot formation. Please, contact your doctor for the assessment of your personal risk.

Based on your answers you have a moderate risk for pulmonary embolism (PE). PE is a medical emergency caused by clogged pulmonary arteries. The blood clot from deep veins in your legs spreads through the bloodstream into your lungs causing a blockage in your pulmonary artery. You can reduce your risk for PE in many ways. If possible, avoid long periods of immobility. Even while sitting, you could exercise your calf muscles: do ankle circles, get into a “tiptoe position” and keep your heels on the ground while lifting your toes. Based on your personal risk factors, your doctor will recommend the best prevention plan for you.

Based on your answers you have a high risk for pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism means that your pulmonary artery is blocked by a blood clot, so your lungs cannot function properly. This blockage in your lungs is usually caused by a blood clot from a deep vein in your legs. Pulmonary embolism is a serious but preventable health condition. Please contact your doctor for the evaluation of your personal risk factors. For high-risk patients prevention options include anticoagulant therapy (blood thinning drugs), “compression stockings”, pneumatic compression (an inflatable boot or sleeve that holds the affected area and increases the pressure when needed) and managing your other health problems.