Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Support Group

The heart suffers somewhat through the course of a PE, for at least two reasons. One is it works overtime to pump enough blood, against much resistance, through the damaged vessels of the lungs and to meet the oxygen demands of the body. The heart may become enlarged during that time, and may upon recovery slowly return to normal size. Another possibility is clot deposit in the right atrium or right ventricle, the path the clots went through to reach the lungs. In a small minority of cases, the clotting backs up to near or even to the heart.
If you have anything like chronic PE, in which the clots remain in some form after treatment, there is a small but extant risk of pulmonary hypertension. Again in most PE cases, where the patient makes it to treatment, the heart and lungs recover remarkably well for a potentially fatal episode.
If your med team finds any anomaly then it could be that they merely find a benchmark from which you will likely improve.

Hi There,

I had some temporary heart damage from because of how hard my heart had to pump due to the PE; this was diagnosed the day after I was admitted to the hospital. This type of heart damage usually occurs with larger PEs. To diagnose it, they usually do an echocardiogram. I just had one the other day in fact. I had my PE two years ago and this was the 3rd and final echo because everything looks completely normal now.

I'm not exactly sure what a "heart scan" is, if it's a CT scan, a stress test,etc. Sometimes, they call tests different things in the U.S. So, it's not entirely clear to me what they're might be trying to determine. But I'd think if your doc were extremely concerned, he would try have the test done sooner than December 23.

It's good to get in the habit of asking your doctor why he's ordering certain tests, procedures etc. It just gives you a sense of control and an understanding of what's going on in your treatment and recovery. In fact, I'd recommend just calling his office and asking.

I agree with RMB about it being good to ask, but I find that so, so often I don't have the question in my head until after I walk out of the office. Since they do their talking and you're taking in what they say, while at the same time having feelings flit around. Its definitely a challenge, I find.

That's a long DVT wow. And PE, wow. Hugs to you.3 weeks is a long time in the US.... it sounds like you're getting really good care. I hope that you don' t have the genetic predisposition, but sounds like either way, you're not alone.

I agree on that;sometimes you don't think of stuff to ask until later. But you can still the phone the doc after the appointment and ask. The relationship with our doctor doesn't end merely because you're appointment is over. Providers work for us. So, you should feel free to call them and just ask them to explain what the test is for.

I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Embolism from a DVT just 3 weeks ago and my heart suffered great damage. I did an echocardiogram in the hospital and I'll have another one in a week. They want to know how well the heart is faring now that the clots are gone.

Most people don't realize that the clots that break off from your leg travels Thru the heart to then lodge in your pulmonary (lung) Arteries! The clots could easily affect your heart possibly gradually or quicker. So it's very serious to have these clots travel right thru the heart chambers and it's entire pumping system (veins/ arteries)-the plumbing system of the heart. These clots just often pass thru but noone knows if plaques that may be present anywhere in the heart grow bigger or the clot material hangs around and could cause problems at a later time causing blockages. I got an echocard. Too be safe, altho I don't think it completely rules out damage. My dr listens to my breathing with the stethoscope closely everytime I see her. So realize the clot material from your leg vein actually travels right thru your heart and it's pumping! We are all very lucky to still be here!!

Carina, I had the the same thing and the damage eventually revearsed itself , so don't get discouraged.

Another thing to add to the list of possibilties, though not likely as this should be picked up by the Dr listening with a stethescope:

The clots can also force the flow of blood back to the heart and the pressure can re-open a PDA - Patent ductus arteriosis? which is a tiny hole in the heart that is quite common in new-borns - it usually heals itself. This happened to me and the blood flow on either side of the heart wasn't balanced for a few months. Drs monitor it to see if its in the normal range.