Nuvaring and pulmonary embolism may pose dangerous health risks for some women, regardless of whether they have experienced blood clot problems in the past. The condition is usually caused when blood clots within the deep veins of the legs break away and travel to the heart. They migrate into one of the pulmonary arteries and eventually become lodged. If the clot prevents blood from reaching your lung tissue, that portion of your lung will sustain damage. Depending on the extent of this damage, you may suffer one or more long-term PE problems.
Long-Term Problems Caused By Nuvaring Side Effects
A small pulmonary embolism may exist without presenting noticeable symptoms. Lacking obvious signs of a lung blockage, many people fail to realize they are suffering a PE. This is dangerous. If an obstruction is allowed to remain in one of the lung arteries, it can lead to progressive lung damage, heart damage, and other serious complications.
For example, small blood clots can become caught in a pulmonary artery and create a partial - rather than full - obstruction. Blood may be able to pass through the restricted opening to reach the lung tissue, but requires more pressure in order to do so. This cause a condition known as pulmonary hypertension. Over time, blood pressure within the arteries continues to build, forcing the right side of your heart to work harder. Right-sided heart failure often follows.
A large obstruction that is left untreated can cause a portion of your lung tissue to die. This is known as pulmonary infarction. The affected lung will become less capable of oxygenating blood for the rest of your body. If the lung tissue death is extensive, your other organs that depend on oxygen-rich blood may also sustain damage.
A pulmonary embolism can also result in an arrhythmia. Most are minor, but they can occasionally disrupt the heart's electrical signals. This can lead to clotting within the chambers. If clots form within the heart's left atria or ventricle, they can break away, migrate to the brain, and cause a stroke.
Blood Thinners And Dietary Changes
Following a Nuvaring problem involving PE, your doctor will prescribe anticoagulant medications. The purpose of these drugs is to reduce the likelihood of further clotting, both in your leg veins and your heart. Therapy can range from a few weeks to twelve months, depending on whether you suffer from deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If your doctor suspects there is a high chance of clots causing a subsequent PE, he or she may recommend blood thinners indefinitely.
Long-term anticoagulant therapy is delivered with warfarin, which comes in pill form. The effects of this medication are influenced by the level of vitamin K in your body. For this reason, you'll need to regulate the amount of vitamin K contained in foods you consume. Consistency is key. A dramatic increase or reduction requires a change in the dosage of warfarin.
Graduated Compression Stockings
Because DVT is one of the most common catalysts for pulmonary embolism, your doctor will recommend measures to encourage circulation in your legs. One method is to wear fitted compression stockings around calves. They are tighter near the ankle and become slightly looser as they rise toward the knee. These stockings promote blood flow and prevent pooling within the leg veins. While they can be effective, they are often uncomfortable.