Catherine O’Hara dies at age 71
Beetlejuice star Catherine O’Hara has died at the age of 71, according to multiple media reports.
Fox – LA
Catherine O’Hara died of a pulmonary embolism, according to her death certificate obtained by USA TODAY on February 9. TMZ was first to report the news.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that blocks blood flow to an artery in the lungs.
The Cleveland Clinic added that this is considered a medical emergency because it causes problems with blood flow and oxygen levels in the lungs.
O’Hara, 71, died within hours of developing symptoms, the document said, according to the report. She was also diagnosed with rectal cancer, according to the death certificate.
Here’s what you need to know about health complications.
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism is one of the most common heart and blood vessel diseases in the world, with approximately 900,000 people in the United States experiencing a pulmonary embolism each year, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Symptoms vary depending on the size of the blood clot and underlying medical conditions, but common signs include shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Other symptoms include:
- Cough with bloody mucus
- fast or irregular heart rate
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- excessive sweating
- heat
- Leg pain or swelling, or both, usually in the back of the lower leg
- sticky or discolored skin
What causes pulmonary embolism?
According to the Mayo Clinic, a pulmonary embolism occurs when a “clump of material, most often a blood clot, becomes lodged in an artery in the lungs, blocking blood flow.” And in many cases, multiple blood clots are involved.
The clinic notes that blood clots most often originate in deep veins in the legs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis.
Clogged blood vessels can also be caused by other substances, such as fat from a fracture, part of a tumor, or air bubbles, the clinic added.
“Without prompt treatment, pulmonary embolism can cause damage to the heart and lungs, and even death,” notes the Cleveland Clinic. “About 33% of patients with pulmonary embolism die before receiving diagnosis and treatment.”
Who is at risk for pulmonary embolism?
The Mayo Clinic says anyone can develop a blood clot that causes a pulmonary embolism, but certain factors can increase your risk.
These factors include a history of blood clots. Medical conditions such as heart disease, certain cancers, surgery, clotting disorders, and COVID-19. Prolonged periods of inactivity, such as bed rest or long-distance travel, can also increase risk.
Other factors include smoking, being overweight, estrogen replacement, and pregnancy.
Prevention and treatment of pulmonary embolism
To prevent blood clots from forming, you should be physically active and use compression devices or elevate your legs if necessary. People at risk of blood clots should take blood thinners.
Medical professionals can diagnose pulmonary embolism using blood tests and other scans, and depending on the severity, pulmonary embolism can be treated in a variety of ways, including blood thinners and other treatments and procedures, the clinic added.
