A pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage of one of the main blood vessels (arteries) in the lung, usually due to a blood clot. In most cases, the clots are small and not fatal, but they can damage the lung, but if the clot is large and stops blood flow to the lung, it may It can be fatal, through the “Reassure yourself” series, we learn about the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism and its symptoms, according to the website Stanford healthcare.
pulmonary embolism diagnosis
Pulmonary embolism can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are similar to those of many other problems, such as a heart attack, panic attack or pneumonia.
Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions about your past health and symptoms. This helps the doctor determine if you’re at risk of developing an embolism.
Depending on your risk, you may have tests to look for blood clots or rule out other causes for your symptoms.
Tests often done if you have shortness of breath or chest pain
Chest X-ray The results may rule out an enlarged heart or pneumonia as a cause of your symptoms. If the chest X-ray is normal, you may need other tests.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)EKG , ECG). The electrical activity of the heart is recorded with this test. The results of the electrocardiogram will help rule out the possibility of a heart attack.
Other tests
D– Dimmer. This blood test measures the substance that is released when a blood clot breaks down, usually levels of D-dimer High in people with pulmonary embolism.
computerized tomography (CT)CTThese tests may be done to look for a pulmonary embolism or a blood clot that may be causing it.
MRI This test can be used to see clots in the lungs.
Doppler ultrasound. This test uses reflected sound waves to look for a blood clot in the large veins in the legs.
An echocardiogram detects abnormalities in the size or function of the right ventricle of the heart, which may be a sign of pulmonary embolism.
Pulmonary angiography This invasive test is performed only in rare cases to diagnose pulmonary embolism.