Which factors negatively influence the chances of survival of a pulmonary embolism?
Factors that negatively influence the chances of survival after a pulmonary embolism concern the embolism itself, but previous illnesses of the affected person must also be taken into account. The principle applies to pulmonary embolism: the larger the embolism, the less favorable the prognosis. Pre-existing conditions that have a negative impact on survival are all types of lung disease.
These include previous pulmonary embolisms as well as chronic diseases (COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, chronic bronchitis, etc.). Recurrent respiratory diseases or lung cancer are also poor conditions. Furthermore, existing heart diseases have a negative influence on the chances of survival.
Since pulmonary embolism often affects the heart as well, heart failure (weakness of the heart) is a negative prognostic factor. Equally negative is a heart attack that has already occurred, coronary heart disease or a disease of the heart muscles. Other risk factors for a negative prognosis are additional diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes (blood sugar disease), poor blood lipid values, etc.
How can you improve your chances of survival?
If you want to improve your chances of survival after a pulmonary embolism, you should first make sure that you take blood-thinning medication. After a pulmonary embolism, the chances of getting another embolism are significantly increased. Blood thinners should therefore be taken for at least a few months.
Rapid mobilization also has positive effects, as physical activity counteracts the development of a new thrombosis (which can subsequently trigger a pulmonary embolism). Furthermore, other existing diseases should be well adjusted to improve the chances of survival. Specialists should be consulted for the respective pre-existing conditions so that the various therapies can be well coordinated.
For a good long-term prognosis, it is also advisable to take physical exercise. This improves lung function and blood circulation in the lungs and also strengthens the cardiovascular system. In this way, future events can be avoided or at least better compensated for.
