Some people are born with blood that s more prone to clotting. Others may develop clotting abnormalities as a result of disease. Trauma to legs Trauma to legs from an accident can result in blood clots that may break loose and travel to a lung. Clots may also result from a variety of factors associated with recovery from surgery, especially surgery on lower extremities. Age and weight People over 70 years old and people who are significantly overweight have an increased risk of developing blood clots.
Pulmonary embolism can be difficult to detect.
Some people have no symptoms while others feel as though they are having a heart attack or have pneumonia. Others describe feeling apprehensive. A common symptom is a sudden onset of shortness of breath. Treatment of pulmonary embolism varies depending on the extent of blockage. If you think you may have a blood clot, see your doctor immediately.