Blood Clots and The Lungs: Demystifying Venous Thromboembolism

At the office of North Jersey Pulmonary Associates, we provide skilled care to address conditions affecting pulmonary health and function. Although many people have never heard the term venous thromboembolism, this condition represents a significant health concern with substantial morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. 

VTE represents a significant and growing healthcare concern.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, across the United States alone, 900,000 people per year are affected by the two forms of this condition: deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Estimates also indicate that for 60,000 to 100,000 people nationwide, the condition will prove fatal.

About VTE and its risk factors

VTE is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by blood clots, typically formed in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis), that can dislodge and travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). VTE often arises from factors such as immobility, surgery, genetic predisposition, or underlying health issues. 

Awareness is key to early detection and timely care.

Warning signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can include leg pain or tenderness in your thigh or calf, swelling, reddish discoloration, and skin that feels warm to the touch. If the clot breaks free, it can then travel to your lungs— causing a pulmonary embolism that blocks some or all the lung’s blood supply. Symptoms of pulmonary embolism may include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain, rapid heart rate, lightheadedness, coughing (with or without blood), nervousness, and a feeling of dread.

Treatment Strategies

At the office of North Jersey Pulmonary Associates, we provide skilled care and collaborate with other healthcare specialists to help identify and manage VTE and mitigate any potential complications. To develop an effective, safe, and therapeutic approach to care, we consider a patient's overall health, comorbidities, and the risk of bleeding associated with treatment. 

The cornerstone of VTE management involves anticoagulant therapy to prevent the extension of existing clots and the formation of new ones. In severe cases, interventions like thrombectomy or placement of an inferior vena cava filter may be necessary.