Pulmonary Embolism
What is Pulmonary Embolism
What Is a Pulmonary Embolism? Understanding Blood Clots in the Lungs
A pulmonary embolism, commonly called PE, occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs. Most pulmonary embolisms start as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that forms in a leg vein and breaks loose to travel through the bloodstream to the lungs. Medical professionals call this traveling clot an embolus.
Why Pulmonary Embolisms Are Dangerous
Blood clots in the lungs are a serious medical emergency. A pulmonary embolism can damage lung tissue by cutting off its blood supply, potentially leading to pulmonary hypertension, a condition where pressure increases dangerously in the arteries connecting the heart and lungs. The blockage also prevents oxygen from reaching your blood at normal levels. When your blood oxygen drops, other vital organs throughout your body may not receive enough oxygen to function properly, which can cause additional organ damage.
If you suspect you have symptoms of a blood clot or pulmonary embolism, seek immediate medical attention. Early treatment of deep vein thrombosis can help prevent clots from traveling to the lungs and causing a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Signs and Symptoms
Quick medical treatment for a pulmonary embolism significantly reduces the risk of death from this blood clot emergency. Doctors recommend that anyone experiencing unexplained chest pain or breathing problems get tested for a possible pulmonary embolism right away.
If you experience a sign or symptom, regardless of if you have any risk factors, contact your healthcare professional immediately.
Signs and symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
- Chest pain
- Lightheadedness or passing out
- Coughing up blood
Research on Pulmonary Embolism from the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH)
Research on Pulmonary Embolism from the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH)
- “Identification of hemodynamically stable patients with acute pulmonary embolism at high risk for death: external validation of different models” – Becattini C, et al. J Thromb Haemost. 2024;22(8):2300-2310. doi: 10.1016/j.jtha.2024.04.025
- “The impact of statins on pulmonary embolism severity—a retrospective data analysis” Res Pract Thromb Haemost. 2025;9(5):e102xxxx. doi: 10.1016/j.rpth.2025.05.xxx
- “Risk assessment and management strategies in older patients with acute pulmonary embolism” – Luijten YA, et al. J Thromb Haemost. 2024;22(11):3152-3166. doi: 10.1016/j.jtha.2024.07.024
- “Physical activity following pulmonary embolism and clinical correlates in selected patients: a cross-sectional study” Res Pract Thromb Haemost. 2024;8(3):102055. doi: 10.1016/j.rpth.2024.03.004
- “Preemptive anticoagulation during antenatal pulmonary embolism diagnostics in a community setting: retrospective cohort study” – Campbell AR, et al. Res Pract Thromb Haemost. 2025;9(1):102695. doi: 10.1016/j.rpth.2025.102695
World Thrombosis Day resources on Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Fact sheet:
Pulmonary embolism (PE)
Fact sheet:
Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
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