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rhythm, the blood will not travel around your veins and arteries correctly. This can lead to the development of small clots which can form pulmonary embolisms.

If you smoke cigarettes you are at increased risk as well. Cigarette smoking has been associated with the development of pulmonary embolisms due to damage done to the circulatory system by various chemicals found in cigarette smoke.

Obesity has an association with the development of pulmonary embolisms.

In addition to the risk factors mentioned above, women have a couple of extra risk factors. Women who use oral contraceptives are at increased risk for the development of a pulmonary embolism. In addition, being pregnant can oftentimes increase the likelihood of a pulmonary embolism.

Somewhat less common, although not entirely unheard of, is a condition known as polycythemia vera. This is a condition where your body makes too many red blood cells. This increased production of red blood cells makes your blood thicker than it should be. This increased thickness can lead to the development of clots.

Although some of these risk factors for the development of a pulmonary embolism are impossible to control, there are many which can be controlled. Quitting smoking is a good thing for many reasons, not just decreasing the likelihood of getting a pulmonary embolism. If you are obese, losing weight can help reduce your risk. If you are a frequent traveler on long journeys in cars or airplanes, it is important to get up and move about as frequently as is possible.

If you have concerns or questions about your risk for developing a pulmonary embolism, be sure to speak with your physician and work with him or her to determine what you can do to minimize the risk of developing this potentially lethal condition.

Learn more about this author, Erich Rosenberger M.D..
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