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What Causes Blood Clots On Legs And Pulmonary Embolism Post An Ankle Injury?

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Posted on Wed, 29 Jun 2016
Question: My husband was admitted to our hospital after an ankle injury. He developed a large clot and it broke off and went to both lungs. A similar thing happened two years ago. Can you give me any idea how/why this is happening?
His blood work isn't back yet but they are looking for answers. Thanks.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Following advice

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

Blood clotting on his legs and pulmonary embolism may be related to sedentary life style and uneffective anticoagulation therapy.

If your husband was taking anticlotting (anticoagulation) therapy than the embolism may be related to uneffective treatment.

It's a well known fact that the goal of anticoagulation therapy is to mantain an INR level between 2-3. If hos INR has been below 2 than the risk of embolism is very high.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (42 minutes later)
My hus was successfully treated the first time and was taken off the anticoag. meds. Did fine, has been active since then, almost 2 yrs. Is there something wrong that his body forms these clots on two occasions. Is it a malady or is it a genetic problem? How unusal is this problem?
What is lacking or not in his system that would set off this reaction to an injury?
I mean in the general population. Does this happen a lot?
One of the docs mentioned that he may be on antiocoag. therapy the rest of his life. Is that usual in this type of scenerio?

I asked the question above and did add my ID. It is HCM 195509. Please respond.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Following advice

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Once he has had blood clot in his legs complicated with pulmonary embolism the risk that this will happen again is very high.

The risk is increased by the following factor:
- Aging
- Smoking and alcohol
- Prostate or other paraneoplasic syndromes
- Blood clotting disorders

In order to answer your questions about any disease or disorders (genetic, clotting etc) I need to have all his medical records and examinations.

Keep in mind that to experience a second pulmonary embolism is very common in patients with previous history for pulmonary embolism.

If he had been my patient I would have let him on anticoagulation therapy for the rest of his life after the first episode.

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Benard Shehu

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2257 Questions

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What Causes Blood Clots On Legs And Pulmonary Embolism Post An Ankle Injury?

Brief Answer: Following advice Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you for asking! I read your query and understood your concerns. Blood clotting on his legs and pulmonary embolism may be related to sedentary life style and uneffective anticoagulation therapy. If your husband was taking anticlotting (anticoagulation) therapy than the embolism may be related to uneffective treatment. It's a well known fact that the goal of anticoagulation therapy is to mantain an INR level between 2-3. If hos INR has been below 2 than the risk of embolism is very high. Hope this will be of help! Wish you health! Dr. Shehu