About Us | Privacy | Site Map
Font Size
A
A
A


Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary Embolism Overview

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot in the lung. It usually comes from smaller vessels in the leg, pelvis, arms, or heart. When a clot forms in the legs or arms, it is referred to as a deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

The clot travels through the vessels of the lung continuing to reach smaller vessels until it becomes wedged in a vessel that is too small to allow it to continue farther. The clot gets wedged and prevents any further blood from traveling to that section of the lung.

When no blood reaches a section of the lung, that portion of the lung suffers an infarct, meaning it dies because no blood or oxygen is reaching it. This is referred to as a pulmonary (or lung) infarct.

Pulmonary Embolism Causes

Several factors can make someone more likely to develop a blood clot that can eventually break loose and travel to the lung.

  • Immobilization: A stroke, broken bone, or spinal cord injury can result in confinement to bed so that clot formation can occur in either the arms or legs.

  • Travel: Prolonged travel, such as sitting in an airplane or a long car trip, allows the blood to sit in the legs and increases the risk of clot formation.

  • Recent surgery

  • Trauma or injury (especially to the legs)

  • Obesity

  • Heart disease (such as an irregular heartbeat)

  • Burns

  • Previous history of blood clot in the legs (DVT) or PE

  • Conditions that increase clotting of the blood



Next: Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms »

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Pulmonary Embolism (Blood Clot In The Lung) - Describe Your Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

Please describe your symptoms of pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung).

Anonymously share your comment to help others. Viewer Comments FAQs
See 19 Viewer Comments & Reviews

Submit Your Review


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Need Help Understanding Your Cholesterol?

 Crestor
284218 10/09

Privacy Policy

Heart Health

Get the latest treatment options.

Are You Depressed? Take the Quiz


Pulmonary Embolism

Chest Pain »

Chest Pain Overview

If you are having severe pain, crushing, squeezing, or pressure in your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or if the pain moves into your neck, left shoulder, arm, or jaw, go immediately to a hospital emergency department. Do not drive yourself. Call 911 for emergency transport.

Chest pain is one of the most frightening symptoms a person can have. It is sometimes difficult even for a doctor or other medical professional to tell what is causing chest pain and whether it is life-threatening.

  • Any part of the chest can be the cause of the pain including the heart, lungs, esophagus, muscle, bone, and skin.

  • Because of the complex nerve distribution in the body, chest pain may actually originate from another part of the body.

  • The stomach or other organs in the belly (abdomen), for example, can cause chest pain.

Potentially life-threatening causes of c...

Read the Chest Pain article »



Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Pulmonary Embolism »

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and potentially lethal disease; unfortunately, the diagnosis is often missed because patients with PE present with nonspecific signs and symptoms.

Read More on eMedicine »

Featured Topics

Topics Related to Pulmonary Embolism

Medical Dictionary


or A-Z List