Pulmonary embolism is caused by a blood clot in the lungs. Learn the symptoms, risk factors, and how to prevent or treat this life&#x2d;threatening emergency.

Medline Plus, U.S. National Library of Medicine

Anticoagulant Warfarin

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CT (computed tomography) of lung, pulmonary embolism (PE)

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<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bc4h6" data-offset-key="84udb-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="84udb-0-0"><span data-offset-key="84udb-0-0"><span data-text="true">The heart is a muscular organ about the size of a fist located in the upper chest between the lungs. Its job is to pump blood throughout the entire body, supplying it with oxygen and nutrients.</span></span></div>
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<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="8v22f-0-0"><span data-offset-key="8v22f-0-0"> </span></div>
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<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="bc4h6" data-offset-key="80d4k-0-0">
<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="80d4k-0-0"><span class="hardreadability"><span data-offset-key="80d4k-0-0"><span data-text="true">The heart has four chambers: upper left atrium, upper right atrium, lower left ventricle, and lower right ventricle</span></span></span><span data-offset-key="80d4k-1-0"><span data-text="true">. Each chamber plays a major role in ridding the body of waste and supplying it with new oxygen from the lungs. The heart valves allow blood to flow in one direction, through the chambers in the correct order. The left ventricle is the strongest chamber and receives the blood last. From there it pumps it out through the aorta to the rest of the body.</span></span></div>
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<div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="cc6os-0-0"><span data-offset-key="cc6os-0-0"><span data-text="true">Cardiovascular diseases account for the death of about 30% of the population, globally. Coronary artery disease is the most common cardiovascular disease. This is when cholesterol plaques build up and narrow the blood supply to the heart. </span></span>Smoking, being overweight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes increase your risk. There may be no warning of any heart disease present until a sudden heart attack. Healthy lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of heart disease.</div>
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An "ailment" is a general term for minor to moderate physical illnesses, diseases, and disorders. In Facty Health, many different diagnoses fall under the ailment category. For example, acid reflux, eye disorders, skin problems, and GI problems, are considered an ailment.

In this category, you can discover natural home remedies for common symptoms. You will find that there is probably a miracle ingredient hiding in your pantry right now. Learn what foods to stay away from and which foods can help ease certain conditions. You can even learn to spot the early warning signs of some of the more severe diseases. Expect to find detailed and interesting information about the types of ailments, their symptoms, causes, and treatments.

If you have questions about a specific ailment or you just have a general curiosity for medicine, this would be a good place to start.

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Understanding Pulmonary Embolism: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

3. Causes

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