Call to Action to Prevent Pulmonary Embolism

Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson joined the Venous Coalition to issue a Call to Action to prevent deep vein clotting and pulmonary embolism. Coumadin is generally recommended for patients undergoing major surgery or prolonged bed rest at home or in the hospital, but is often not prescribed. Many patients who die of pulmonary embolism are misclassified as having suffered a heart attack. The true incidence of death from PE probably exceeds the total number of deaths from breast cancer, HIV disease and motor vehicle accidents combined. A natural way to help prevent the problem is to take fish oils, a least 1 tbsp a day, which we recommend for practically every adult patient.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the Venous Coalition