Emily Goldberg, the ex-girlfriend of late EDM DJ Avici, died on April 3, 2024, in La Jolla, California, just a year after announcing her recovery from cancer. Goldberg was battling cancer throughout the majority of 2022 and 2023, according to her final Instagram post from May of last year. Her obituary confirms that the cause of death was a pulmonary embolism.
The 34-year-old is survived by her parents, Julie and Sam Goldberg, and brother, Aaron Goldberg.
What is pulmonary embolism?
A pulmonary embolism happens when a blood clot enters the lungs and blocks one or more arteries, disrupting blood flow, according to the Mayo Clinic. These clots usually form in deep veins in the legs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
The condition is potentially fatal since it impairs lung function. However, prompt treatment can greatly lower the chance of death. Moving around frequently and staying active can help prevent blood clots and pulmonary emboli. To maintain adequate circulation, avoid sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Pulmonary embolism: Causes
Some causes, as per the Mayo Clinic, are:
- Fat released from a broken long bone
- Fragments of a tumour
- Air bubbles
Pulmonary embolism: Symptoms
Symptoms can vary, depending on factors like the size of the blood clot and existing health conditions. Some common symptoms are –
- Sudden shortness of breath, even while resting
- Sharp chest pains, especially when breathing deeply, coughing, or bending
- Fainting due to a sudden drop in heart rate or blood pressure
- Coughing up blood
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Excessive sweating
- Fever
- Pain or swelling in the legs, often in the lower back of the leg
- Skin that feels clammy or looks discolored (cyanosis)