A clot caused by a pulmonary embolism prevents blood from flowing through a lung artery. The blood clot typically originates in a deep leg vein and goes to the lung. Pulmonary embolism can be fatal because one or more clots prevent blood from reaching the lungs. However, prompt treatment significantly reduces the risk of death. One can reduce the risk of developing pulmonary embolism by taking precautions to avoid leg blood clots.

Signs
Depending on how much one’s lungs are affected, the size of the clots, and if they have underlying lung or heart illness, the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can vary greatly. Typical symptoms include

Respiration difficulty
This ailment typically strikes out of nowhere. Even when one is resting, breathing is cumbersome, and exercise worsens it.
Chest pain
One can experience the symptoms of a heart attack. When one takes a deep breath, the pain is frequently severe and is felt. Those with a pulmonary embolism might be unable to take a deep breath because of the agony. They might also feel it when they cough, bend over or lean back.
Fainting
Once, one could lose consciousness if their blood pressure or heart rate decreases suddenly, known as syncope.

Risk factors
The following aspects play a crucial role in the development of a pulmonary embolism:

Pre-existing conditions
One is at risk for cardiac illnesses: clot formation is more probable in conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, particularly heart failure. Blood clot risk can be raised by certain cancers, particularly cancers that have spread, as well as cancers of the brain, ovary, pancreas, colon, stomach, lung, and kidney. Blood is affected by some genetic diseases, which increases the risk of clotting. Symptoms of kidney-related illnesses and respiratory disorders can also increase the likelihood of blood clots due to pulmonary embolism.
Treatment side-effects
Chemotherapy raises the danger even higher. Additionally, taking tamoxifen or raloxifene while having a personal or family history of breast cancer increases the risk of blood clots. One of the main reasons why clots become problematic is surgery. For this reason, clot-preventing medication may be used before and after major surgery, such as joint replacement.
Lack of activity
Blood clots are more prone to develop during extended periods of inactivity than usual. The risk of developing blood clots rises if one spends much time in bed following surgery, a severe illness, a heart attack, a limb fracture, trauma, or any other injury. Long durations of lying flat cause the blood flow in the veins to slow down, which might cause blood to pool in the legs. Blood clots may occasionally arise from this. Long journeys in a confined space, such as a vehicle or airline flight, restrict blood flow in the legs, which raises the risk of blood clots.
Hypercoagulable states
Any disease or condition that causes the blood to clot more easily is referred to as a “hypercoagulable state.” These Hypercoagulable states that aggravate the risk of pulmonary embolism include heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and certain autoimmune disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Hormonal contraceptives
Combination hormonal birth control may increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to pulmonary embolism in some women. However, the overall risk of PE is shallow, and it is higher in pregnant women than in nonpregnant women who use hormonal contraception. Compared to other forms of hormonal birth control, the birth control patch and pills with higher levels of progestin drospirenone pose a higher risk.

Vein injury
When a vein sustains damage, it is more likely to develop pulmonary embolism. If a nearby vein is affected by a bone fracture or severe muscle injury in the pelvis or leg, one is more likely to develop pulmonary embolism. Procedures like bariatric or female pelvic surgery that involve the hip and knee are also linked to an increased risk of pulmonary embolism, as dialysis catheters and PICC lines could damage veins.

Family medical history
Although pulmonary embolism is more common in adults over 60, it can occur at any age, especially if one has health risks. Those with a disproportionally high body mass index or a family history of DVT, pulmonary embolisms, or clotting disorders are more likely to develop deep-vein blood clots. A family history of clotting disorders is another significant risk factor for developing pulmonary embolism.

One should be aware of the symptoms and risk factors mentioned above so that an expert can promptly devise a treatment plan. Consulting a doctor for more information about the risk of developing an embolism is prudent.