Pulmonary Embolism: What Is It and Why It Matters

Everyone has heard of a heart attack, but far fewer people are familiar with pulmonary embolism—a serious medical condition that affects thousands of people each year and requires immediate medical attention.

What Is Pulmonary Embolism?

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot (typically forming in the deep veins of the legs) breaks loose, travels through the bloodstream, and becomes lodged in the blood vessels of the lungs. This blockage:

• Prevents blood from flowing properly through the lungs
• Reduces oxygen levels in the blood
• Can potentially damage lung tissue

In severe cases, PE places extreme strain on the heart, potentially leading to heart failure. 

The Scope of the Problem

A comprehensive study published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis found that PE is the third most common cause of cardiovascular death worldwide, after heart attacks and strokes. [1]

Warning Signs: Recognising PE Symptoms

PE symptoms can vary widely depending on the size of the clot and how much of the lung is affected. Be alert for:

• Sudden shortness of breath – especially with minimal exertion
• Chest pain that may worsen with deep breathing or coughing
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Coughing (sometimes with bloody mucus)
• Excessive sweating
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Low blood pressure

What makes PE particularly dangerous is that its symptoms can mimic other conditions, potentially delaying diagnosis. Some people experience only mild symptoms, while others may suddenly collapse.

Research published indicates that up to 30% of PE cases are initially misdiagnosed, highlighting the importance of increased awareness among both the public and healthcare providers. [2]

Are You at Risk?

Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing blood clots that might lead to PE:

• Extended immobility: long flights, bed rest, or limited movement
• Recent surgery or trauma: Particularly orthopaedic procedures
• Pregnancy and postpartum period: Hormonal changes increase clotting risk
• Hormonal treatments: Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
• Smoking: Damages blood vessels and affects circulation
• Obesity: Places additional pressure on the veins of the legs
• Age: Risk increases with age, particularly above 60
• Family history: Genetic predisposition to blood clotting disorders

Life-Saving Treatment Options

According to medical statistics, untreated PE has a mortality rate of approximately 30%, making rapid diagnosis and treatment essential.

Traditional Treatments

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners): Prevent existing clots from growing and new clots from forming
• Thrombolytic therapy: Strong "clot-busting" drugs that dissolve existing clots, usually reserved for severe cases

Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Revolutionary Approach

For severe PE cases, mechanical thrombectomy has emerged as a game-changing intervention. Unlike traditional treatments that rely on medications to dissolve clots over time, mechanical thrombectomy physically removes the clot from the pulmonary arteries.

Benefits include:

• Immediate relief: Provides faster restoration of blood flow
• Reduced bleeding risk: Less reliance on thrombolytic drugs means lower risk of bleeding complications
• Effective for large clots: Can remove substantial blockages that might not respond quickly to medication alone
• Option for contraindicated patients: Viable for patients who cannot receive thrombolytic drugs
• Shorter hospital stays: Many patients recover more quickly compared to traditional treatments

The FLARE study, published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions, demonstrated that patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy showed significant clinical improvement within 48 hours of the procedure. [3]

The FlowTriever System

The FlowTriever System is the first FDA 510(k)-cleared mechanical thrombectomy system designed specifically for treating PE. Engineered for rapid blood clot removal and immediate symptom relief, it offers a ground-breaking, minimally invasive solution for patients with acute PE.

 

(Image 1: The FlowTriever catheter is designed to mechanically engage, disrupt, and remove blood clots.)

At Gleneagles Hospital Penang, we are proud to be the first private hospital in Malaysia with expertise from our consultants, Dr Neoh Eu Rick and Dr Rajesh P. Shah to introduce this cutting-edge technology, reaffirming our commitment to advanced, patient-centred care.

When to Seek Help

If you experience sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or other concerning symptoms—especially if you have risk factors for blood clots—seek medical attention immediately.

When it comes to pulmonary embolism, early intervention can make all the difference between life and death.

For more information, visit our cardiologists at Gleneagles Hospital Penang.