How is cardiopulmonary embolism caused?
Disease description:
I smoke heavily, and my working environment is quite dusty. Recently, I've been coughing frequently. When I went to the hospital for a checkup, the doctor told me I have pulmonary embolism. What causes pulmonary embolism?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Pulmonary embolism may result from pre-existing hyperlipidemia, which leads to atherosclerosis; plaque detachment can then travel through the bloodstream and cause cardiopulmonary embolism. It is also possible that emboli originate from venous thrombi that dislodge and lead to cardiopulmonary embolism. Patients may present with symptoms such as chest tightness, chest pain, dyspnea, as well as unexplained pallor, cough, and sweating.
