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Pulmonary embolism is caused by emboli that
travel through the blood stream to the lungs and block a pulmonary
artery. When this occurs, circulation and oxygenation of blood is
compromised. The emboli are usually formed from blood clots but are
occasionally comprised of air, fat, or tumor tissue. Risk factors
include: prolonged bed rest, surgery, childbirth, heart attack,
stroke, congestive heart failure, cancer, obesity, a broken hip or
leg, oral contraceptives, sickle cell anemia, congenital coagulation
disorders, chest trauma, certain congenital heart defects, and old
age. |
