Treatment and Prevention
The treatment for thromboembolism (blood clot embolism) involves anticoagulant or thrombolytic medications. The anticoagulants called heparin* or warfarin are the main medications given for pulmonary embolism. Anticoagulants prevent further clotting of the blood. Thrombolytics such as alteplase and streptokinase help the body to dissolve the original clot.
The most effective way to prevent pulmonary embolism is to prevent DVTs from forming or starting to move in the blood vessels. If you have DVT, you may be prescribed heparin by injection or warfarin by mouth. They can also be given to people with DVT to prevent the condition. Both can also protect against stroke.
Non-medication methods to help prevent DVT includes using compression devices and compression stockings (to ensure blood doesn't pool in the legs), and frequently stretching, massaging, and moving your lower leg muscles if you are inactive for a long time. You can also reduce your risk factors for getting blood clots, such as quitting smoking and controlling your blood pressure.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, FACC Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at New York Medical College, and in private practice specializing in cardiovascular disease in Greenwich, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.