Knowing the signs of certain health problems can save lives, especially for conditions that don’t show clear symptoms right away. Issues like strokes and pulmonary embolisms (PE) can come on suddenly and be very dangerous. But if you know the warning signs and how to act fast, you can make a huge difference.
Strokes are one of the top causes of death and disability in the U.S., with about 800,000 cases every year, according to the CDC. Pulmonary embolisms are also serious, causing over 100,000 deaths annually. Understanding these conditions and being ready to respond could protect your life or someone else’s. That’s why it’s so important to learn more about them.
The Dangerous Nature of Blood Clots
Blood clots are the body’s way of healing when you get hurt—they stop bleeding by sealing wounds. But sometimes, clots form where they shouldn’t, or they don’t go away like they should. When this happens, they can block blood flow and cause serious health problems, like a stroke or pulmonary embolism.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when blood can’t reach part of your brain. This could happen because a blood clot is blocking an artery (called an ischemic stroke) or because a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding (called a hemorrhagic stroke). Insufficient blood causes brain cells to rapidly degenerate, which can cause severe harm or even death.
What Causes a Stroke?
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
- Blockages or bleeding in blood vessels
Signs of a Stroke
One simple method to remember the symptoms is F.A.S.T.:
- Watch their face—does one side seem to droop when they smile?
- Check their arms by asking them to lift both. If one arm is weaker or drifts downward, it’s a warning sign.
- Listen to their speech—is it slurred or does it sound strange? Have them repeat a simple sentence to be sure.
- Keep track of time—if any of these signs are present, call 9-1-1 right away because quick action can save a life.
Other symptoms include sudden weakness or numbness (particularly on one side of the body), blurred vision, dizziness, confusion, loss of balance, or a severe headache.
What Is a Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot enters the lungs and halts blood flow. These clots usually start in the legs (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) and if they move to the lungs, they can be life-threatening.
What Causes Pulmonary Embolism?
- Sitting still for a long time (like on a long flight)
- Surgery or injury
- Cancer or cancer treatments
- Pregnancy or hormone changes (like birth control)
- Blood clots in the legs (DVT)
Signs of a Pulmonary Embolism
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Severe chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
- A fast or irregular heartbeat
- Feeling lightheaded or fainting
- Coughing up blood
Less common symptoms include sweating, fever, and swelling or pain in one leg if caused by DVT.
Why It’s Important to Spot the Signs
Both stroke and pulmonary embolism need emergency care right away. But the symptoms can sometimes be missed. That’s why knowing what to look for is so important. Reacting quickly could mean life-saving treatment and a much better chance of recovery—for yourself or someone else.
Can Pulmonary Embolism Cause Stroke?
Pulmonary embolism (PE) and stroke might seem like very different problems, but they can sometimes be connected. A PE happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow in the lungs. On rare occasions, a clot may proceed to the brain via a small hole in the heart known as a patent foramen ovale. This can cause a kind of stroke called paradoxical embolism. While it’s not common, it shows that these two health conditions can sometimes be linked.
What to Do if You See Signs of Pulmonary Embolism or Stroke
Both PE and stroke are medical emergencies, and quick action can save lives. Here’s what to do if you think someone has signs of either condition:
For Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
- The first and most crucial step is to call 9-1-1 right away. Symptoms like sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pain, or coughing up blood are serious warning signs and need immediate medical attention.
- It’s also important to help them stay calm. Encourage the person to sit still and avoid moving too much. Too much activity could make the blood clot worse or increase the risk of it traveling further.
- Finally, take a moment to check for leg swelling or pain. Swelling or soreness in just one leg might be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is often the cause of pulmonary embolisms. If you notice this, be sure to mention it to the emergency responders when they arrive.
For Stroke
- It’s important to remember F.A.S.T. to spot stroke symptoms. Check for face drooping, arm weakness, or slurred speech, and note when the symptoms began. Call 9-1-1 immediately for help.
- While waiting for emergency services, keep them lying down with their heads slightly raised. This position helps keep them safe, and it’s best not to give them anything to eat or drink.
- When help arrives, be ready to explain the symptoms to paramedics. Share everything you observed, like how long ago the symptoms started, so they can make quick and informed decisions.
Preventing Stroke and Pulmonary Embolism
Taking care of your health is the most important step you can take to prevent stroke and pulmonary embolism. These conditions can be life-threatening, and in some cases, it may be too late to act. That’s why knowing the signs and being prepared to act quickly is so important.
If you’re at risk, prevention is key. Small changes in your daily habits can make a big difference. Staying active, eating healthy foods, and avoiding smoking are all great steps to lower your risk. Additionally, routine check-ups with your physician can help identify early warning indicators and provide you with tailored guidance to help you stay on course.
Your chances of protecting yourself increase with the earlier you prioritize prevention. Take small steps now for a healthier and safer future. It’s never too early to start caring for yourself—but waiting too long could make all the difference. Stay informed, stay proactive, and take control of your health.