Pulmonary Embolism: 10 Common Symptoms To Watch For

The Center for Diseases Control and Prevention believes up to 300,000 Americans will die of Pulmonary embolism brought on by deep tissue blood clots, in this year alone. On top of that, almost one million Americans will encounter complications brought on by thrombosis, more commonly known as blood clots. More unnerving yet, the warning signs of pulmonary embolism are hard to spot; in a quarter of recorded PE cases, sudden death is the first symptom shown.

Knowing what symptoms to look for when dealing with blood clots can literally save your life.  Spotting these warning signs early on could mean the difference between life and death.

 Swelling (edema)

Edema is a condition where fluid build up in the legs and ankles creates sometimes severe swelling. There are a number of reasons for the occurrence of edema: a cancerous lymph could be blocking the flow of fluid. Liver damage can hamper the bodies ability to process waste, causing fluid to back up.

Deep vein thrombosis(DVT) is when a blood clot forms in your deep muscle tissues; almost always occurring in the deep veins found in your legs. This blockage creates the perfect storm for stopping fluid from traveling away from your feet. More deadly, these clots can break away and flow upwards and into your lungs, causing what is known as a pulmonary embolism.