A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage of one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots from the legs or other parts of the body (deep vein thrombosis or DVT). Clots can restrict blood flow to the lungs, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can vary but often include:
- shortness of breath
- chest pain or discomfort
- coughing that may contain blood
- rapid or irregular heartbeat
- dizziness or fainting
Risk factors for pulmonary embolism include prolonged inactivity (such as long flights or bed rest), certain medical conditions (such as cancer or heart disease), surgery, and factors such as smoking or pregnancy.
Treatment usually includes anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent clots from forming, and in some cases thrombolytics (anti-clotting agents) or surgery may be necessary.