How is pulmonary embolism treated? Cardiology Basics

How is pulmonary embolism treated? Cardiology Basics Pulmonary embolism is obstruction of pulmonary arteries due to emboli migrating from other parts of the body. It is a potentially life threatening condition if a major branch or multiple branches are obstructed. More emboli can travel to the lungs from the original source and hence pulmonary embolism may worsen later even if the initial episode involves only a small portion of the lungs. So, it is important to treat pulmonary embolism even if it is mild. Treatment options will depend on the severity of the situation. Initial treatment will be with parenteral anticoagulants like heparin or low molecular weight heparin. After stabilization, long term treatment is with oral anticoagulants. Fondaparinux is another parenteral medication which can be used in the initial treatment of pulmonary embolism. As these medications increase the risk of bleeding, close medical supervision is needed. Dose of heparin may be adjusted according to activated partial thromboplastin levels, to maintain therapeutic levels. Oral anticoagulants belong to two important groups. The time old one is warfarin, which is a vitamin K antagonist. Newer medications are known as non-vitamin K antagonists or NOACs in short. They are also known as direct oral anticoagulants or DOACs. Dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban are important medications belonging to this group. Warfarin needs regular monitoring of coagulation function with  PT-INR or prothrombin ti...
Source: Cardiophile MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: General Cardiology Source Type: blogs