Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism happens when an artery in the lung is suddenly blocked. It's usually caused by a blood clot in a leg vein that breaks loose, travels to a lung (pulmonary) artery, and blocks blood flow. This is very serious and can be deadly.

Current as of: March 20, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD, FRCPC - Hematology