Your immune system’s purpose is to defend your body from harmful invaders. But with autoimmune diseases like antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), your natural defenses turn against you, attacking healthy organs and tissues.
While some autoimmune disorders target the skin, joints, or digestive system, APS primarily affects the blood. Jill Schofield, MD, founder and director of Center for Multisystem Disease in Denver, Colorado, specializes in helping patients navigate the unique challenges it can present.
In some cases, these challenges can be life-threatening, like a pulmonary embolism — a blood clot that travels to the lung. Here’s what you need to know about this potentially serious link with APS.
APS disrupts your body’s natural blood clotting process. Normally, clotting happens as needed to stop the bleeding after an injury or incision. But for those with APS, the immune system produces antiphospholipid antibodies that attack certain proteins in the blood, making it more likely to form clots in veins and arteries.
These clots can break free from the blood vessels where they develop and travel through the bloodstream, potentially cutting off circulation to vital organs.
When a blood clot reaches an artery in the lung and causes a blockage, it’s known as a pulmonary embolism. This is a serious condition, and delaying treatment can result in lasting damage to your heart and lungs.
It could even be fatal — approximately 100,000 people in the United States die from blood clots, including pulmonary embolism, each year.
The same process that increases the risk of major blood clots can also affect smaller blood vessels throughout the body. This can cause a range of issues, including Reynaud’s syndrome, a condition where fingers and toes become numb and discolored in response to cold or stress, and livedo reticularis, a purplish skin discoloration.
If you have APS, being able to recognize the signs of a pulmonary embolism is essential.
The first symptoms are typically chest pain and a sudden shortness of breath, which intensify with activity or when you inhale deeply. Watch out for these other potential indicators:
Some individuals with a pulmonary embolism may not experience any noticeable symptoms.
Living well with APS means being proactive about your health. While Dr. Schofield monitors your condition, manages your treatment, and provides personalized guidance, taking an active role in your own wellness is key.
To promote healthy circulation and reduce your risk of blood clots, try adopting these healthy habits into your life:
Treatment for APS typically involves blood-thinning medications to minimize clot formation. In some cases, Dr. Schofield may suggest treatments to modulate the immune system’s response.
If you suspect that you may have APS or another autoimmune condition, Dr. Schofield can provide clarity and support. Take the first step by calling or emailing to schedule an appointment at Center for Multisystem Disease today.
