Pulmonary embolism: attention to the legs

A clot formed in a vein in the legs can give rise to a small thrombus, capable of reaching the pulmonary arteries with very serious results. Prevention is essential.

Suffering from “heaviness” and discomfort in the legs, especially when it is hot or you assume the same position for some time, is normal, especially in women over 35 years.

It is a bit of circulatory slowdown that causes muscle suffering, but which can be kept under control with small precautions.

It is different, however, when the venous flow slows down consistently and for a fairly long period.

In these cases, a clot may form inside a deep venous vessel (usually in the legs). It’s called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT.

This condition, often silent, can be very dangerous: the clot can occlude the vessel or, worse, fragment forming small emboli.

These, transported to the heart and, from here, pushed into the arteries of the lungs, are the cause of pulmonary embolism, an event that can be fatal.

If the course of the venous river slows down

There are three main conditions that can lead to a slowing of the venous circulation, considered the main trigger for thrombosis:

Less frequent, but no less important, are alterations in blood clotting or venous wall.

Who risks the most

The formation of a venous thrombus is more likely in people who remain seated for a long time as happens when undertaking very long journeys, especially intercontinental flights, or in any case in those who are in the same position for a long time.

Prolonged immobility hinders the return of blood to the heart, and the resulting venous stagnation facilitates the formation of clots.

Other risk factors for the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis are:

• fractures in the lower extremities,
• casts,
• surgical interventions (especially orthopedic),
• traumas of a certain importance
• all conditions that lead to dehydration, as this increases blood viscosity.

The greatest attention must be paid by all those who in the past have already had problems with the venous circulation of the legs, even more so if with previous thrombotic events, in which there is evidently a certain basic predisposition.

They increase the risk of DVT also family history for the pathology, overweight or obesity, smoking, advanced age. But also myocardial infarction, heart failure and malignant neoplasms.

Beware of hormones

In predisposed women, an additional risk of developing DVT may be represented by the intake of hormones (birth control pill or hormone replacement therapy) and especially pregnancy, especially the second trimester and the puerperium.

Warning signs

The formation of a venous thrombus often induces nuanced symptoms, with very common disorders limited, mostly, to the appearance of a sense of heaviness and swelling in the legs.

Not all typical symptoms are always present, and sometimes they are so mild that they are not recognized.

Especially those who are most at risk, however, should not make the mistake of underestimating signals such as:

• swelling in the leg, ankle or foot;
• pain, especially during exertion; It usually manifests itself at the height of the calf and resembles a cramp or stretch;
• pain in the sole of the foot;
• redness and increase in temperature, sometimes appearance of spots or bluish-red coloration;
• Pain or swelling in the arms or neck may appear if the thrombus forms in the upper limb.

In these cases it is good to contact the doctor immediately to perform the necessary investigations.

Immediately to the emergency room if…

Unfortunately, even in the case of pulmonary embolism it can happen that the symptoms are so mild as to escape attention.

But if signs and symptoms such as:

• inexplicable and sudden shortness of breath;
• chest pain or discomfort, which worsens when taking a deep breath or when coughing;
• sputum with traces of blood;
• dizziness, dizziness or fainting;
• loss of consciousness and collapse.

It is advisable to go to the emergency room immediately. Remedies against pulmonary embolism can be very effective, if used correctly and above all promptly.