A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in the lungs that usually occurs when a blood clot breaks loose. It then travels through the bloodstream to the lungs. A pulmonary embolism mimics the symptoms of a heart attack, causing sharp chest pains, shortness of breath, dizziness, clammy skin, irregular heartbeat, coughing, sweating, low blood pressure, and anxiety. It can block blood flow and can cause brain damage if not treated promptly.
Pulmonary embolisms typically come from the deep veins of the leg. This is called deep vein thrombosis. Sometimes pulmonary embolisms are not blood clots. They are caused by substances such as air bubbles, tumors, and fat from the marrow of a broken bone.
A pulmonary embolism can cause serious medical issues and even death if not treated promptly. That’s why doctors need to understand the signs and act quickly.
A doctor can be sued for negligence if they fail to recognize the signs of a pulmonary embolism. Contact a Baltimore pulmonary embolism lawyer from Furman | Honick Law to get compensation for your damages. Schedule a consultation today.
Complications of Pulmonary Embolisms
A pulmonary embolism needs to be caught and treated promptly. Otherwise, it can cause the following complications:
- Lung damage. A blood clot makes it so blood cannot reach your lungs. This can cause irreversible lung damage.
- Low oxygen levels. Hypoxemia is when your blood has low oxygen levels. This can cause headaches, shortness of breath, heart problems, and decreased brain function.
- Organ damage. A blood clot affects oxygen levels, and your body needs oxygen to function properly. The brain, liver, and other organs can suffer damage in just minutes.
- Pulmonary embolisms can cause death if not identified and treated quickly. In fact, more than 30% of patients with a pulmonary embolism will die of cardiac arrest before the blood clot is even identified. This is because the symptoms are usually non-specific.
When is it Medical Malpractice?
Blood clots can develop into a pulmonary embolism and cause a heart attack or stroke. A doctor can be charged with medical malpractice if a patient who is at high risk of developing blood clots isn’t properly monitored or treated. Surgery, heart disease, and certain cancers can increase one’s risk of developing a pulmonary embolism. Smoking, being overweight, and pregnancy can also increase the risk.
It’s also possible that a pulmonary embolism may not be correctly diagnosed. There are medications and medical equipment to help prevent blood clots. If your doctor does not give you the appropriate medication or use the appropriate equipment, then it could also be medical malpractice.
Contact Furman | Honick Law Today
Pulmonary embolisms can cause a lot of complications. If not caught in time, they can even lead to death. If you have been affected, get help from the team at Furman | Honick Law. We’re experienced at handling medical malpractice cases. Schedule a free consultation with a Baltimore pulmonary embolism lawyer by calling (410) 844-6000 or filling out the online form.