Health experts have warned not to ignore the early symptoms of pulmonary thrombosis after Hollywood star Catherine O’Hara died at the age of 71 from a blood clot in her lung. This pulmonary thrombosis is a serious condition that may go undiagnosed.
The actress, best known for her roles in the films “Home Alone” and the series “Schitt’s Creek,” was rushed to hospital with breathing difficulties, but her cause of death was later determined to be acute pulmonary embolism.
What is pulmonary embolism?
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot settles in a pulmonary artery, blocking blood flow, stressing the heart, and depriving the body of oxygen. This condition often begins with deep vein thrombosis in the legs or pelvis, where blood clots form in the veins of the legs, particularly in the calf area.
The disease claims the lives of around 3,000 Britons every year. However, Professor Rasha Al Rami, a cardiologist at Imperial College London, said many patients were not aware of the early signs, leading to delays in diagnosis.
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism
Al Rami said there are many factors that increase a patient’s risk of developing a pulmonary embolism, but there are also some other factors besides simple steps that can be taken to reduce this risk.
Symptoms vary depending on the size of the blood clot and the severity of the blockage. In severe cases, symptoms include severe chest pain, rapid heart rate, severe shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, blue lips and fingernails, and a sudden feeling of anxiety or imminent danger.
Studies have shown that a massive pulmonary embolism can be fatal within minutes to an hour, and that even with treatment, about half of those affected may not survive.
In less severe cases (more severe in terms of neglect), symptoms include a decreased ability to engage in physical activity, progressive shortness of breath, constant fatigue, and sputum that is sometimes tinged with blood.
The danger in these cases is that the symptoms may be interpreted as stress or anxiety and the diagnosis may be missed. Statistics show that around 400 people die each year in the UK due to incorrect diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.
Factors that increase the risk of pulmonary embolism
Professor Al Rami explains that some groups are more susceptible to infection, and the most prominent risk factors include cancer (risk increased by six times), pregnancy, obesity, smoking, recent surgery, long flights, and sitting for long periods without moving.
According to the death report, O’Hara also had rectal cancer, which may have been a major factor in the blood clots because cancer cells make blood more likely to clot.
How can we prevent it?
Doctors stress that it can be prevented with simple steps such as quitting smoking, losing excess weight, exercising regularly, wearing compression stockings on long journeys, and walking regularly on long journeys to avoid leg congestion. Also, if pain, swelling and warmth in the legs, especially in the calves, are accompanied by shortness of breath, then this should be taken seriously.
Treatment of pulmonary embolism
Treatment primarily relies on blood-thinning drugs to reduce the size of the clot and prevent it from worsening. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to remove the blockage. Experts have admitted that the speed with which people go to the emergency department when they develop worrying symptoms can mean the difference between life and death, and are calling for greater awareness of the disease, which kills around 3,000 people a year in the UK alone.
