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disease dvtPulmonary embolism is the medical term for a blood clot (venous thrombosis) reaches the lungs and therein blocks an artery. Most of these blood clots begin in the deep veins of the leg, a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In more rare cases, the blood clot may first develop in a deep vein of the arm or pelvis. Experts estimate that approximately 650,000 Americans suffer pulmonary embolism each year. Of these cases, about 60,000 people will die from the complications of pulmonary embolism.
Pulmonary embolism is a dangerous medical condition because it can be fatal and often goes undiagnosed by medical professionals. Of those individuals who have pulmonary embolism, only one-third are diagnosed. The remaining cases are not often diagnosed until the autopsy is performed. Ten percent of all people who develop the symptoms of acute pulmonary embolism will die in under an hour.
The symptoms of pulmonary embolism can include: chest pain (that may get worse with deep breaths), coughing up blood and/or phlegm, shortness of breath, fainting, lightheadedness, excessive sweating, and anxiety. Because pulmonary embolism is a common complication of deep vein thrombosis, it is also important for patients to know the symptoms of this medical condition. Deep vein thrombosis symptoms can include pain, swelling, tenderness, redness, and warmth in one leg.
When a person experiences any of these symptoms of DVT or pulmonary embolism, they should seek medical attention immediately. There are medical treatments that can be administered to prevent pulmonary embolism and/or reduce the risk of complication from pulmonary embolism. Anticoagulant medications, heparin and warfarin, can be administered appropriately to prevent complications of pulmonary embolism. Oxygen, sedatives, and “clot busting” drugs may also be helpful in stabilizing a patient with pulmonary embolism.
There are several factors which increase an individual’s risk of developing pulmonary embolism or DVT. Recent surgeries, long periods of immobility, heart problems, history of heart attack or stroke, previous DVT, older age, and oral contraceptives are the risk factors for developing DVT and pulmonary embolism. Oral contraceptive users have a one in 200,000 risk of developing pulmonary embolism. This risk is considered so low in most patient populations, that the benefits of treatment far outweigh the risks.
Recent reports have linked several cases of DVT, pulmonary embolism, and fatal complications to the use of the birth control patch, Ortho Evra. One report claims that using the Ortho Evra patch triples a woman’s risk of developing a fatal pulmonary embolism, even if she is young and healthy. The deaths of at least 20 women have been linked to complications related to the birth control patch.
If you or a loved one has used the Ortho Evra patch and experienced complications like pulmonary embolism, please contact us to speak with a qualified and experienced attorney who can determine and protect your legal rights and options.