Claudia Effenberg had an emergency operation shortly before Christmas. According to her own statements, the reality TV participant’s life was in danger. The reason: a pulmonary embolism. What causes it and how it manifests itself.
Ex-jungle camper and designer Claudia Effenberg (58) has shared frightening health news. The wife of ex-football professional Stefan Effenberg (55) revealed on Monday evening (January 22nd) on “RTL Exclusiv” that she had to undergo emergency surgery shortly before Christmas. The reason was a pulmonary embolism. There was even a danger to life.
Claudia Effenberg had a double pulmonary embolism
The 58-year-old, who took part in “I’m a Celebrity – Get Me Out of Here!” last year and came in seventh place, collapsed unconscious in her own home on December 16th. Effenberg also confirmed this to the “Bild” newspaper. Her husband then acted quickly and called an ambulance. When she arrived at the hospital, a double thrombosis was diagnosed. “Both lungs were affected,” Effenberg revealed to Bild.
Fortunately, the surgical procedure was successful. “Yes, it was a pulmonary embolism. I’m still alive! And I’m grateful,” says the reality star looking back. She is also sure that Stefan Effenberg saved her life. The panic that was clearly visible on the ex-national player’s face in the life-threatening situation had also “taken the couple’s relationship to another level,” said Effenberg.
Ex-jungle camper suspects hip surgery as the cause
The dirndl designer suspects that hip surgery, which she had to undergo in 2023 due to a hairline fracture, could have been the trigger for her pulmonary embolism. After the procedure, she didn’t move enough, which is said to have caused a thrombosis.
Causes and risk factors for pulmonary embolism
According to the German Heart Foundation, a pulmonary embolism can occur as a result of a leg vein thrombosis, in which veins are blocked and the blood backs up. A blood clot then breaks loose in the venous system of the legs and is carried into the lungs by the bloodstream. There it partially or completely blocks pulmonary vessels – the larger the blocked vessels, the more dangerous.
As a result, the lungs are unable to absorb oxygen more easily. In addition, the pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs increases, which can put a lot of strain on the heart and lead to heart failure.
Risk factors for venous thrombosis also include the risk of pulmonary embolism. According to the “Health Information” portal, the risk increases the more factors are present. These include:
Broken bones in the hip or leg Major operations, for example the insertion of an artificial hip or knee joint Blood clotting disorder Taking the contraceptive pill Hormone treatment during menopause Heart and lung diseases
Taken individually, these factors only slightly increase the risk:
Severe obesity, older age, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, smoking, pregnancy, lack of exercise, bed rest, long flights, thrombosis in family members
What symptoms a pulmonary embolism causes
A pulmonary embolism is accompanied by the following signs:
sudden severe shortness of breath chest pain pain when inhaling cough, especially with bloody sputum dizziness or even fainting heart palpitations (more than 100 heart beats per minute) strong feeling of anxiety
It can be diagnosed through various examinations:
Blood test Imaging procedures such as ultrasound examination of the leg veins and heart as well as computed tomography pulmonary angiography ECG (measurement of the electrical activity of the heart)
Treatment of pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolisms are usually treated with anticoagulant medications. These prevent the growth or formation of blood clots. As a result, the body breaks down the clot.
If those affected already have unstable circulation due to the pulmonary embolism or the heart can no longer pump enough blood through the body, treatment in the intensive care unit is necessary. Doctors remove the blockage in the pulmonary vessels as quickly as possible so that blood flow to the lungs can be restored.
To do this, doctors inject medication into the vein to dissolve the clot. Minimally invasive procedures are also possible. The blockage is dissolved with a catheter or suctioned out. The thrombotic blockage can also be removed surgically.
Tips for preventing pulmonary embolism
Some risk factors can be avoided. What you can do:
stop smoking, lose weight if you are overweight, exercise regularly, avoid type 2 diabetes, reduce high blood pressure, for example through regular exercise and low salt consumption. In individual cases: stop taking the pill and use other contraceptives such as condoms