The Spanish rock world was shocked this Wednesday after learning of the death of Robe Iniesta, founder and voice of Extremoduro. Although the official statement did not specify the exact cause of his death, in November 2024 the artist suffered a pulmonary thromboembolism, a serious condition that forced him to cancel the last concerts of the Ni santos ni inocentes tour, scheduled in Madrid.
What is pulmonary thromboembolism?
Pulmonary embolism, also known as pulmonary thromboembolism, is a type of venous thromboembolism (VTE). According to the Clínica Universidad de Navarra, it occurs when thrombi form in the venous circulatory system, which can travel to the pulmonary arteries.
The thrombus usually develops in a deep vein, especially in the legs, and its severity may be such that it causes permanent damage to the affected lung or other organs by reducing oxygen supply.
Symptoms and warning signs
The most common symptoms of this disease include:
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Lack of air
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Pain when taking a deep breath
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Accelerated heart rate
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Acute chest pain
Other less frequent manifestations may include cough with or without blood, dizziness or anxiety. However, up to half of those affected have no obvious symptoms, which complicates early detection.
Most common causes
Blood clots usually form due to stagnation in venous flow. Among the most common causes are:
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Prolonged confinement
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Recent surgeries
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Fractures or immobilizations
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Presence of varicose veins or venous catheters
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Systemic diseases
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Genetic predisposition or cancer
Diagnosis and clinical tests
To confirm the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, specialists resort to:
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Pulmonary computed tomography angiography (CTA): main method to locate clots in the lungs.
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Blood tests: detection of substances that indicate thrombi.
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Ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) study: measures air and blood flow in the lungs.
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Additional tests to determine hypercoagulability factors or the possible presence of tumors.
Treatment options
The standard treatment is anticoagulation with drugs such as heparin or acenocoumarol. In cases of chronic embolism or severe complications, surgery or therapies to reduce pulmonary pressure may be necessary.
The duration of treatment will depend on the level of risk of new thrombus formation. In severe cases, surgical intervention is an alternative.
Prevention and care
Prevention is based on physical and pharmacological measures:
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Early mobilization
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Leg lifts
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Use of compression stockings or bandages
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Pneumatic compression
In patients at high risk, subcutaneous heparin is administered as a preventive measure.
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute also recommends:
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Regular medical control to prevent recurrences
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Lifestyle changes: healthy eating, exercise, weight control, and smoking cessation.
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Attention to mental health, as the emotional impact can be significant.
Robe’s legacy and the impact of the disease
The pulmonary embolism detected in Robe Iniesta in November 2024 was the reason that led him to suspend his participation in the last concerts of his tour. Although it has not been confirmed whether this ailment was the direct cause of his death, its seriousness highlights the risk involved in this condition.
Extremoduro’s leader left an indelible mark on Spanish music. His provocative attitude, lyrics full of rage and sensitivity, and his irreverent style made him a unique figure. “I only live provisionally”, he used to say. That free and radical spirit met an abrupt end after more than three decades of career.
His death, just one day after that of Jorge Martínez (Ilegales), marks the end of an era in national rock. Robe, who defended creative freedom and lived on the edge, lived his music as a philosophy. And it will be that same music that will keep his memory alive.
