A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious condition and happens when a blood clot gets stuck in a person’s lung. “Pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening with 10-30% of individuals dying within one month of diagnosis,” according to the American Lung Association. The road to recovery and follow-up care can be filled with challenges. That is why WashU Medicine created an outpatient clinic dedicated to post-PE care.
Without proper follow-up appointments, PEs can lead to long-term complications such as:
- Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH): A condition where high blood pressure develops in the lungs due to blocked or narrowed arteries, making it harder for the heart to pump blood.
- Post-Pulmonary Embolism Syndrome: A set of symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, fainting and chest pain that persist after a pulmonary embolism, affecting daily life.
- Recurring PEs: Repeated pulmonary embolisms can occur, causing more clots in the lungs and increasing the risk of severe health complications.
- Lung Damage: Pulmonary embolism and CTEPH can lead to long-term damage to the lung tissue, reducing its ability to deliver oxygen to the body.
- Anxiety and Depression: The emotional toll of living with a serious lung condition can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression and stress, affecting overall well-being.
The WashU Medicine Post-Pulmonary Embolism Clinic can help survivors with their recovery, including:
- CTEPH Evaluation: Involves tests like imaging and right heart catheterization to assess lung function and blood flow, helping doctors determine the severity of the condition and the best treatment options.
- Anticoagulation Treatment: Medications like blood thinners are used to prevent new blood clots from forming and to reduce the risk of further complications in patients with CTEPH.
- Psychological Support and Patient Education: Counseling and education help patients understand their condition, manage stress and cope with the emotional challenges of living with CTEPH or its treatments.
- Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filters Management: A small device placed in the vein to prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs, often used in patients who can’t tolerate blood thinners.
- Improving Daily Life Functioning: Rehabilitation programs and lifestyle changes are aimed at increasing physical activity, improving breathing and helping patients return to normal routines despite their condition.
If you or someone you know has experienced a PE, call 314-454-8917 to schedule an appointment with a WashU Medicine pulmonologist like Soophia Naydenov, MD, FCCP.