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A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a dangerous disorder in which one or more blood clots become stuck in the arteries of the lungs. This reduces blood flow and interferes with the exchange of oxygen. The clot most often begins as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs that breaks off and is carried by the bloodstream to the lungs. A PE is a medical emergency because it strains the heart and can be life-threatening if not treated swiftly. Typical symptoms include sudden-onset shortness of breath, severe chest pain that intensifies with breathing, rapid heart rate, cough, disorientation, and sometimes coughing up blood.
Risk factors include recent surgery, pregnancy, obesity, smoking, cancer, hormone therapy, and genetic clotting abnormalities. Diagnosis is based on blood tests, including D-dimer; CT pulmonary angiography; ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scans; ultrasonography of the legs; and electrocardiography. Treatment aims to restore blood flow and prevent more clots with anticoagulant drugs, thrombolytic therapy, or, in severe instances, catheter-based clot removal.

Oxygen therapy and supportive care may be necessary. To prevent DVT, it’s important to get out of bed as early as possible after surgery, exercise regularly, lose weight, wear compression stockings if recommended by your doctor, and take blood-thinning drugs as prescribed. Early diagnosis and early medical treatment dramatically improve survival and reduce the chance of long-term problems.