Lasting Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism: Duration of Chest Discomfort
Living with a pulmonary embolism (PE) can be a challenging experience, but understanding the recovery process and taking the right steps to prevent another embolism can help patients regain their health and confidence.
Symptoms and Recovery
Common symptoms of chronic chest pain after PE often include sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or physical activity, alongside persistent shortness of breath (dyspnea). The chest pain is typically pleuritic (worsens with breathing movements) and may be accompanied by cough, sometimes with bloody sputum, and other symptoms like rapid heartbeat or fatigue that can linger beyond the acute phase.
While acute PE symptoms usually present suddenly, chronic chest pain may persist for weeks to months after the initial event. Some patients continue to experience pain and shortness of breath for extended periods as part of a post-PE syndrome or residual lung damage. The exact duration varies depending on the individual case and whether complications such as chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) develop.
Factors affecting recovery and duration of chronic chest pain after PE include the extent and size of the clot, overall health and pre-existing lung or heart conditions, promptness and effectiveness of treatment, development of complications, psychological factors, and physical activity levels.
Prevention and Activity
Getting physically active can reduce the risk of another embolism, and people may be able to return to low to moderate intensity exercise about 4 weeks after an embolism, but every case is different. It is important to start becoming more active when symptoms allow and when a doctor says this is okay, but avoid contact sports, climbing, horseback riding, activities with a high risk of falling or injury.
People who perform their usual activities are no more likely to have a pulmonary embolism than those who do not, unless a doctor advises otherwise. However, it is important to inform doctors and dentists about blood thinners before undergoing any surgery or dental procedures.
Treatment and Support
The treatment for a pulmonary embolism is anticoagulant therapy, which involves taking medication that thins the blood, dissolving the clot. Most people with a pulmonary embolism do not have another one, but a prior pulmonary embolism is a risk factor for having another.
For mental health support, it may help to join a support group, reach out to family and friends, or to speak with a mental health professional. Vision changes, heartbeat sounding louder or feeling much faster than usual, persistent difficulty exercising, feeling chronically unwell or tired, and symptoms that last are symptoms that a person should speak with a doctor about after a pulmonary embolism.
It is important to seek prompt care if symptoms suddenly worsen or if new symptoms develop. Factors that may slow recovery include developing another pulmonary embolism, overall low health, a lack of physical activity, and chronic underlying cardiovascular disease. A heart attack is one of the conditions that chest pain after a pulmonary embolism may resemble.
In conclusion, chronic chest pain after pulmonary embolism commonly presents as sharp, pleuritic pain lasting weeks to months, influenced by clot burden, comorbidities, treatment quality, and complications. Recovery is highly individual and requires ongoing medical follow-up. With appropriate care, patients can manage their symptoms and regain their quality of life.
References
[1] Goldhaber, S. Z., & Berger, R. A. (2008). Pulmonary embolism: diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. The New England Journal of Medicine, 358(24), 2595-2605.
[2] Kline, J. A., & Alpert, J. S. (2012). Post-thrombotic syndrome: diagnosis and management. Chest, 141(2), 545-555.
[3] Konstantinides, S., Agnelli, G., Agrawal, S., et al. (2019). 2019 ESC guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism. European Heart Journal, 40(27), 2579-2622.
[4] Pagana, K. D., & Pagana, T. J. (2015). M Mosby's diagnostic and laboratory test reference. Elsevier.
[5] Righini, M., Agnelli, G., Alsaedi, A., et al. (2019). 2019 ESC guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism in intermediate and low-risk patients. European Heart Journal, 40(27), 2623-2636.
- Understanding the nature and severity of chronic chest pain after a pulmonary embolism (PE) is crucial for effective management and recovery.
- Beyond chest pain, shortness of breath (dyspnea) is another common symptom that can persist for weeks to months following a PE.
- Complications such as chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) can extend the duration of chronic chest pain and impact the overall recovery process.
- The extent and size of the clot, pre-existing medical conditions, treatment effectiveness, and the development of complications all play a role in the recovery from PE.
- Psychological factors and low physical activity levels can also slow the recovery from chronic chest pain after PE.
- Physical activity is essential for reducing the risk of another embolism, but people should wait for at least 4 weeks before returning to low to moderate intensity exercise.
- Ignoring symptoms or returning to high-risk activities without proper medical advice can increase the risk of another embolism.
- Informing doctors and dentists about blood thinners before undergoing surgery or dental procedures is necessary to avoid complications.
- Anticoagulant therapy is the primary treatment for a pulmonary embolism, aiming to thin the blood, dissolve the clot, and prevent another embolism.
- Seeking ongoing medical follow-up is crucial for monitoring the recovery and addressing any new symptoms or complications that may arise.
- Joining support groups or speaking with mental health professionals can provide emotional support and coping strategies for managing chronic chest pain after PE.
- Routine health screenings can help detect and manage other chronic medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), COPD, type 2 diabetes (T2D), cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
- Chronic diseases like CKD, COPD, T2D, and certain cancers can increase the risk of developing PE.
- Adopting a health-and-wellness lifestyle, focusing on nutrition, weight management, and fitness-and-exercise, can help improve overall cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of PE.
- Environmental factors, such as exposure to pollutants and climate change, can exacerbate respiratory conditions and increase the risk of PE.
- In the workplace-wellness sector, promoting early detection, education, and preventive measures can help keep employees safe and minimize the risk of PE.
- Early detection is key for successful treatment and management of chronic conditions, such as eye health, hearing, and skin-conditions.
- Most life-threatening chronic conditions, such as cancer and heart disease, can be better managed with improvements in science, technology, and therapies-and-treatments.
- Climate change can impact agricultural practices, food security, and the availability of fresh produce, potentially impacting nutrition and overall health.
- Digestive health issues, such as stomach ulcers and IBS, can be linked to stress, poor nutrition, and certain chronic diseases like diabetes.
- In the manufacturing industry, strict safety regulations, proper management of hazardous materials, and periodic equipment maintenance can help prevent accidents and associated health risks.
- Proper mental-health support and resources are essential for employees dealing with stress, depression, or other mental-health issues that may impact their productivity and overall well-being.
- Stress, poor sleep, and sedentary lifestyles are linked to various skin-conditions such as acne, rosacea, and premature aging.
- If employees are successful in managing their PE symptoms and regaining their health, they may be eligible for Medicare benefits.
- CBD oil, derived from cannabis plants, has been shown to have potential benefits for managing pain and stress, but more research is needed to determine its efficacy and safety.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the joints, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness, and can increase the risk of developing PE.
- The transportation industry, including retail, public transit, and entrepreneurship, should prioritize safety measures to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of PE for their employees.
- Effective leadership, diversity-and-inclusion initiatives, and fostering a supportive work culture can help create a positive work environment, improve employee satisfaction, and minimize health risks.
