What are the manifestations of pulmonary embolism in the elderly and how is it diagnosed?
Disease description:
I've been feeling chest tightness lately, and sometimes even experiencing difficulty breathing. Could I have a pulmonary embolism? What are the symptoms of pulmonary embolism in elderly people, and how is it diagnosed?
Pulmonary embolism in the elderly presents with symptoms such as dyspnea, chest tightness, and hemoptysis, and is generally diagnosed through methods like blood gas analysis. The most common manifestations of pulmonary thromboembolism in elderly patients include dyspnea, chest pain, hemoptysis, cough, sputum production, and syncope. Notably, the incidence of syncope in elderly patients with pulmonary embolism is significantly higher than in younger individuals. Treatment of pulmonary embolism depends on the severity of the condition and the patient's specific circumstances. For small embolic areas, anticoagulation therapy with heparin may be initiated initially; for larger areas, surgical intervention may be considered. In elderly patients, treatment decisions must carefully take into account their overall medical condition.