Pulmonary embolisms can lead to sudden death

On Behalf of | Aug 22, 2018 | Wrongful Death

Surgery comes with many risks. One of these is a pulmonary embolism. Because this is a known risk, doctors and other medical professionals should be watchful for signs of this occurring. When they aren’t monitoring appropriately, there is a chance that the condition can be fatal.

A pulmonary embolism is a very serious matter because it can stop your heart from pumping and prevents the exchange of oxygen. It occurs when a blood clot in another area of the body breaks off and travels to the lung. This condition is more common than what many people realize. It is the third most common disease of the cardiovascular system. Only heart attacks and strokes top this one.

The symptoms of this condition are usually very sudden. You might experience a sudden shortness of breath or chest pain. You may sweat excessively, have a rapid pulse, and pass out. Blue nail beds and lips are another sign of a pulmonary embolism, as is pain in your back.

Once it is determined that you are having a pulmonary embolism, you will receive medications to try to break up the blood clot. There is also a chance that surgery will be necessary, but this is considered a last-ditch effort if the other treatments don’t work.

There is a chance that this will be a fatal occurrence after a surgery. If your loved one wasn’t receiving adequate medical care, you might choose to pursue a wrongful death claim. This might help you recover some of the damages, such as the final expenses and lost income, that the unexpected death caused.

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