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Dr. Goldberg explains what a pulmonary embolism is and what the symptoms include for women.
Dr. Goldberg:
Pulmonary embolism is another life-threatening medical condition. It's not a heart attack, but it’s a condition that’s caused by a blood clot to the lungs, and if you have a blood clot to the artery in your lungs, you break off blood supply to your lungs, and that’s why one of the biggest symptoms is shortness of breath, severe, severe shortness of breath, just gasping for air. Another symptom is a racing heartbeat.
You must get to the hospital with a pulmonary embolism. So, basically the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism are very similar to the heart attack. So the best thing you can do for yourself is call 911, and when you get to the hospital you’ll be treated with oxygen and be given blood thinners, intravenous blood thinners like heparin or blood thinners that are administered under the skin which is normal like your low weight heparin and that’s called Lovenox.
And if you want to know that, what put you at risk for having a pulmonary embolism; risk factors for pulmonary embolism include hormone therapy, birth control pills, obesity, and a family history.
About Dr. Nieca Goldberg, M.D.:
Dr. Nieca Goldberg is a cardiologist and a nationally recognized pioneer in women’s heart health. Her New York City practice Total Heart Care focuses primarily on caring for women. Dr. Goldberg is Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of NYU Women’s Heart Program, the Co-Medical Director of the 92nd Street Y’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, a national spokesperson for the American Heart Association’s “Go Red” campaign – an association for which she has volunteered for over 15 years and been a board member in NYC. She was formerly the Chief of Women’s Cardiac Care at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
Visit Dr. Goldberg at her website