A pulmonary embolism is most often caused by a blood clot in a vein in the leg or in the pelvis (hip area), which breaks off and travels to block an artery in the lung. The most common cause is a blood clot in a deep vein of the thighs. This type of clot is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Less common causes of a pulmonary embolism include air bubbles, fat droplets, amniotic fluid, parasites or tumor cells, all of which may lead to a blockage of an artery in the lung.
Risk factors for a pulmonary embolism include:
Burns Cancer Childbirth Family history of blood clots Fractures of the hips or thigh bone Heart attack Heart surgery Long-term bed rest or staying in one position for a long time, such as a long plane or car ride Severe injury Stroke Surgery (especially orthopedic or neurological surgery) Use of birth control pills or estrogen therapy
People with certain clotting disorders also have a higher risk for developing a pulmonary embolism.
What causes a pulmonary embolism?
A pulmonary embolism is most often caused by a blood clot in a vein in the leg or in the pelvis (hip area), which breaks off and travels to block an artery in the lung. The most common cause is a blood clot in a deep vein of the thighs. This type of clot is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Less common causes of a pulmonary embolism include air bubbles, fat droplets, amniotic fluid, parasites or tumor cells, all of which may lead to a blockage of an artery in the lung.
Risk factors for a pulmonary embolism include:
Burns Cancer Childbirth Family history of blood clots Fractures of the hips or thigh bone Heart attack Heart surgery Long-term bed rest or staying in one position for a long time, such as a long plane or car ride Severe injury {{NAME}} (especially orthopedic or neurological surgery) Use of birth control pills or {{ORGANIZATION}} therapy
People with certain clotting disorders also have a higher risk for developing a pulmonary embolism.