Best Pulmonary Embolism Doctors in Chennai

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot, known as an embolus, forms elsewhere in the body and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, blocking the pulmonary artery. The most common cause of these clots is deep vein thrombosis, which often forms in the deep veins of the legs. However, clots can also develop due to factors such as fat cells released during a bone fracture or air bubbles entering the bloodstream. Risk factors for PE range from genetic conditions and family history of clotting disorders to certain medical conditions, medicines, obesity, advanced age, and lifestyle factors such as prolonged immobility and smoking.

Chennai, a vibrant city on the Bay of Bengal in eastern India, has witnessed its fair share of PE cases, which could be due to lifestyle-related factors, medical conditions, and ageing. Fortunately, at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, we have some of the best doctors for pulmonary embolism treatment who are well-equipped to handle this complex condition.

Types/Stages of Pulmonary Embolism

The main types of PE include:

• Massive PE: This type is characterised by a large blood clot that obstructs blood flow in the pulmonary artery or its branches.

• Submassive PE: This type involves blood clots that partially obstruct blood flow in the pulmonary artery.

• Non-massive or Low-Risk PE: Patients with this type of PE usually have a lower risk of immediate complications, but still require medical attention and treatment to prevent long-term health issues.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism

PE can manifest through various symptoms, such as:

• Shortness of breath, often sudden and severe

• Chest pain which worsens with deep breathing

• Lightheadedness or fainting due to sudden blood pressure drop

• Coughing up blood or blood-streaked mucus

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)

Tests to Diagnose Pulmonary Embolism

To diagnose PE, the best doctors for pulmonary embolism treatment at Apollo Hospitals use a combination of the following tests:

• CT pulmonary Angiography: This imaging test involves injecting a contrast dye into a vein in the arm to visualise the pulmonary arteries and identify any blood clots.

• Ventilation-perfusion Scan: Evaluates airflow and blood flow in the lungs, which can indicate the presence of a clot.

• D-dimer Test: This blood test measures the D-dimer level, a substance released when a blood clot dissolves. Elevated levels can indicate the presence of blood clots.

• Electrocardiogram: This may be performed to check for any abnormalities in the heart's electrical activity, which can occur in response to PE.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Pulmonary Embolism at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

At Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, the doctors for pulmonary embolism treatment offer the following treatment options for PE:

• Anticoagulants: To prevent further clotting and treat existing clots, medications like warfarin and heparin may be prescribed.

• Fibrinolytic Therapy: Thrombolytic drugs, administered either intravenously or through a catheter, are used to break down the clot.

• Vena Cava Filter: A small metal device placed in the vena cava to prevent clots from travelling to the lungs.

• Surgery: If a pulmonary embolism is life-threatening or other treatments are ineffective, surgery may be recommended to remove the blood clot from the pulmonary artery.