PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE)
Written by Slawomir (“Swavak”) Gromadzki, MPH
Pulmonary Embolism (PE) (most often triggered by Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT) is a very serious and life-threatening condition because it can cause immediate blockage of pulmonary artery without any warning signs.
PE is usually caused by a blood clot travelling to the lungs from a leg. A blood clot in the leg is called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). The clot from the leg may travel through the bloodstream to another part of the body, including lungs and obstruct the pulmonary artery, blocking blood flow to one of the lungs which may lead to death.
Many individuals with pulmonary embolism (PE) aren’t aware of having the condition as about half of all people who have this problem do not show any symptoms.
In order to effectively prevent and treat PE go to the article dealing with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) as it is the cause of PE >
Risk factors for pulmonary embolism are similar to risk factors for deep vein thrombosis: Being obese or overweight as excess fat cells increases estrogen levels and also because being overweight promotes high blood pressure and inflammation. Stress may increase risk for DVT or PE even tenfold as a result of increased inflammation, amount of free radicals, hormonal changes raising blood pressure. Lack of exercise (sedentary lifestyle) contributes to PE and DVT because it leads to poor blood circulation and clot development. Around 20 % of all PE cases take place in the hospitals as a result of stress, immobilization, raised blood pressure changes, infections or intravenous catheter. Other risk factors may include chronic diseases, pregnancy, birth control pills, hormonal changes, inherited tendencies, etc.
Pulmonary embolism and DVT are typically treated with a combination of blood-thinning medicines such Warfarin or Coumadin and Heparin for 3 to 6 months. While blood thinners can save lives, it’s also important to make lifestyle changes to help prevent the problem as using drugs for long time will lead to dangerous side effects.
The best and safe way to prevent DVT and PE is by implementing principles and using natural remedies and supplements described in the following articles:
PROTHROMBIN TIME TEST & INR TEST
Warfarin works by blocking clotting factors. To use warfarin safely, you need to take a regular prothrombin time test, or protime (PT) test that measures how long it takes for the blood to clot. Because the PT result depends on the specific chemicals used in the test, it is expressed as a standardized number called the international normalized ratio (INR).
In healthy people an INR of 1.1 or below is regarded as normal.
For people taking warfarin, an INR range of 2.0 to 3.0 is generally considered an effective therapeutic range for disorders such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Based on the INR, doctors inform patients whether warfarin dose is in a safe range—usually between 2.0 and 3.0.
Many dietary supplements (such as vitamin K or vitamin E), drugs, and foods affect warfarin, so the prescribed dose may cause either too much or too little anti-clotting effect.
An INR of 5.0 or higher means you’re at high risk of bleeding.
An INR of 1.5 or lower puts you at higher risk of developing a life-threatening blood clot.
When the INR is higher than the recommended range, it means that your blood clots more slowly than desired, and a lower INR means your blood clots more quickly than desired.
Blood that clots too quickly can be caused by:
– Supplements that contain vitamin K
– High intake of foods that contain vitamin K, including kale, turnip greens, broccoli, liver, chickpeas, green tea, or soy products.
– Estrogen-containing medications, such as hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills
Blood that clots too slowly can be caused by:
– Vitamin K deficiency
– Blood-thinning medications
– Liver problems
– Inadequate levels of proteins that cause blood to clot
Any information or product suggested on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Consult your primary healthcare physician before using any supplements or making any changes to your regime.
© 2016 Slawomir Gromadzki – All Rights Reserved