Updated: 10/20/23
Pulmonary embolism is a serious, and potentially fatal, condition. It occurs when a blood clot travels from an area in the body with poor circulation to the lungs. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood clots and lightheadedness. To prevent pulmonary embolism and its dangerous symptoms it’s important to have good circulatory health – but how can you do this? Thankfully at our store we offer supplements specifically designed for improving circulation and helping reduce your risks of developing pulmonary embolism! Read on to find out more about why preventing clots should be one of your top priorities if you are hoping for optimal health.
What is Pulmonary Embolism?
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in the lung arteries. This clot typically travels through the veins from the legs or pelvis, blocking blood flow to the lungs which can cause life-threatening consequences. PE is a relatively common condition, and the risk increases with age and in those who have other medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer, or obesity.
The pulmonary artery is the primary conduit that moves blood from the heart to the lungs. Once the blood reaches the lungs, it is oxygenated before it goes back to the heart, which then pumps the oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. When a blood clot blocks the pulmonary artery, it prevents normal blood flow from the lungs to the heart and vice versa.
This condition can cause severe complications, including lung damage and low oxygen levels in the blood. Insufficient oxygen levels can also harm other organs. In addition, pulmonary embolism can be fatal if the clot is large or if there are more than one of them in the artery. Patients can prevent pulmonary embolism by taking steps to prevent blood clots from forming in the legs.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
Symptoms depend on the size of the blood clot and the part of the lungs it impacts. In addition, the symptoms may worsen if the patient has a lung or cardiac disease. The symptoms of this condition can manifest very quickly.
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Anxiety
- Coughing, sometimes coughing up blood
- Excessive sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness & fainting
- Leg swelling
- Blue lips and/or fingernails
Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Patients may also have symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, which is a common cause of pulmonary embolism. This occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis develops if the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs. Patients may feel swelling, pain or tenderness in the arms and legs, especially from walking or standing. The swollen limbs may feel warm with discolored skin and abnormally large veins.
Complications of Pulmonary Embolism
PE disrupts blood flow that can damage lung tissue and other organs in the body. It can cause life-threatening complications, especially if the patient has large or multiple blood clots. Complications include cardiac arrest, shock, pulmonary infarction, pulmonary hypertension or paradoxical embolism.
Causes of Pulmonary Embolism
Various factors increase the risk of pulmonary embolism. Medical professionals often refer to them as Virchow’s triad.
Venous Stasis
Stasis is a period of immobility or inactivity. If a patient remains immobile for long periods of time — on bed rest in the hospital or on a long flight, for example — they can develop blood clots. Sitting in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time can disrupt blood flow to the legs.
Hypercoagulable State
Hypercoagulability is an increased risk for blood clots. Various factors may increase this risk, including medication, smoking, birth control pills, cancer, pregnancy or recent surgery.
Vessel Wall Damage
Trauma in the legs may cause damage to blood vessels that may increase the risk of PE. In some cases, air bubbles or part of a tumor may block the pulmonary artery. Bone fractures and breakage may cause fat from the bone marrow to enter the blood and cause a pulmonary blockage.
Diagnosing Pulmonary Embolism
Patients who suspect they may have PE should seek immediate medical attention for a diagnosis. First, the physician will perform a physical exam on the legs for signs of swelling, tenderness or discoloration. The doctor will screen the patient for physical signs of deep vein thrombosis.
The doctor may recommend additional tests such as an X-ray, blood test or ultrasound. A blood test is a reliable tool for diagnosing pulmonary embolism because it measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. It can also help physicians detect a substance called D-dimer, a protein fragment that is usually present in the blood if the patient has a blood clot.
CPTE
A CTPE is a form of X-ray that physicians often use to diagnose PE. The physician injects a special dye into the veins to view blood vessels in the lungs in an X-ray.
Ventilation-Perfusion Scan
If a CTPE is unavailable, doctors may recommend a ventilation-perfusion scan. This test uses radioactive material to measure ventilation and perfusion in the lungs. The physician examines where air is flowing to the lungs (ventilation) and where it is not flowing (perfusion). If an area of the lungs has normal airflow but low blood flow, there may be a blood clot.
Pulmonary Angiography
According to physicians, pulmonary angiography is the most accurate test for diagnosing PE. It usually produces conclusive results when other tests do not. In this procedure, a specialist uses a catheter to inject a special dye through a major artery in the legs. Then an X-ray provides images of the inside of the lungs.
Other Tests
Some tests may be harmful for pregnant patients, so doctors may use an MRI to diagnose pulmonary embolism. Finally, an echocardiogram is an ultrasound on the heart. Although it does not necessarily detect PE, it can show strains in the heart that may be the result of pulmonary embolism.
Pulmonary Embolism Treatment
Pulmonary embolism is a severe condition that can be life-threatening. Fortunately, the patient’s chance of recovery is greater with early diagnosis and treatment. There are various treatment options for PE, including:
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants — blood thinners — are a common treatment for PE. They do not actually thin the blood, but they can prevent blood clots from getting bigger and prevent new clots from forming. If the blood clots do not grow, it gives the body a chance to absorb them.
Warfarin and heparin are two oral blood thinners that may help with PE. Warfarin is a blood thinner that can treat and prevent blood clots. On the other hand, heparin helps minimize additional blood clots from forming. However, blood thinners may cause abnormal bleeding.
Thrombolytics
Contrary to blood thinners, thrombolytics are called “clot busters.” In severe cases, physicians might recommend these drugs to break up blood clots. However, this is usually a last resort treatment because it may increase the risk of bleeding.
Inferior Vena Cava Filter
If the patient cannot use blood thinners or if they are not successful, a doctor may recommend an inferior vena cava filter. The inferior vena cava is a large vein that transfers blood to the heart and the filter is designed to catch blood clots before they get to the lungs.
Surgery
Some cases may require surgery to remove the blood clot. There are two types of procedures for PE: thrombectomy and embolectomy. Doctors use thrombectomy to remove blood clots in patients with deep vein thrombosis. However, embolectomy aims relieve blood clots in the lungs from pulmonary embolism.
Supplements for Heart Health
Patients may also take natural supplements to increase overall health and prevent illness. However, supplements are not a cure for pulmonary embolism or any other medical condition. Instead, they aim to support overall health. Consult a doctor before taking supplements because they may cause side effects or interact with medications.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are good for heart health and can also help reduce inflammation, which is crucial in managing pulmonary embolism. You can get Omega-3 fatty acids by eating fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna, or by taking fish oil supplements. Aim to have at least one or two servings of these types of fish per week or take Omega-3 supplements as prescribed by your doctor.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D has various health benefits, including aiding in calcium absorption, which is crucial for healthy bones. It also plays a role in modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation. Lower levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of blood clots. You can get Vitamin D by spending time outdoors, taking Vitamin D supplements, or eating vitamin-D rich foods like eggs, mushrooms, and fortified dairy products.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress and helps boost the immune system. It also plays a role in the production of collagen, which is essential for healthy blood vessels. Studies suggest that Vitamin C supplements may reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism, which is a primary cause of pulmonary embolism. The best sources of Vitamin C are citrus fruits, strawberries, red peppers, and broccoli.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K plays a vital role in blood clotting and can help reduce the risk of developing blood clots, which can lead to a pulmonary embolism. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collard greens are rich sources of Vitamin K. Other sources of Vitamin K include liver, soybean oil, and fish oil supplements. Bulksupplements.com offers Vitamin K powder supplements form.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in muscle function and nerve transmission. It also aids in the regulation of blood pressure and helps maintain heart health. Research suggests that magnesium deficiency may increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. Foods rich in magnesium include spinach, nuts, whole grains, and beans. You can also purchase magnesium supplements through us.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that’s widely used in Indian cuisine. It contains a compound called curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory effects. Research suggests that curcumin may help reduce the risk of heart disease and blood clots. You can take turmeric supplements or incorporate it into your diet by using it in cooking.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, and reduce the risk of blood clots. Supplementing with coenzyme Q10 can help improve heart health and reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism. You can get it from fatty fish, organ meats, and whole grains, or you can take coenzyme Q10 supplements.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai is an herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years to support healthy circulation. Studies have shown that Dong Quai can help reduce blood clots, making it an effective supplement for people who have suffered from pulmonary embolism.
Ginger Root
Ginger root is a well-known natural blood thinner and anti-inflammatory agent. It has been shown to help reduce the risk of blood clots in the body. Ginger root also contains compounds that can help prevent platelets from sticking together, which is a common factor in the formation of blood clots. Ginger root supplements may potentially help prevent pulmonary embolism.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which has several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects. Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels, which can improve blood flow. Improving blood flow to the lungs may help prevent blood clots from forming, which may potentially reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism. Cayenne pepper extract can be purchased through us at Bulksupplements.com.
Garlic
Garlic is another natural blood thinner that can help reduce the risk of blood clots in the body. It acts by preventing platelet aggregation and reducing the production of clotting factors. Garlic supplements may potentially help prevent pulmonary embolism.
The Bottom Line
If a patient develops a blood clot in a major artery, such as the legs, it can cause pulmonary embolism. The pulmonary artery is the main transport that brings blood from the heart to the lungs and then it flows back to the heart to distribute to the rest of the body. However, if a patient develops a blood clot that blocks the artery, it disrupts blood flow between the heart and the lungs.
PE is treatable if the patient receives early diagnosis and treatment from anticoagulants, thrombolytics, inferior vena cava filter or surgical procedures. Patients may also take supplements to improve blood circulation and support cardiovascular function. However, they are not a cure for pulmonary embolism or any other medical condition.
While these supplements may have potential benefits in preventing or treating pulmonary embolism, it is important to note that they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. If you suspect that you may have pulmonary embolism, seek immediate medical attention. Discuss any supplements you may be considering with your doctor before taking them, as they may interact with other medications or have side effects. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking can help reduce your risk of pulmonary embolism. Remember to always prioritize your health and consult with a medical professional when seeking treatment options.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease