What is Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a thrombotic disorder. In PE, a blockage occurs in the pulmonary artery preventing blood flow to the lungs.1,2 The pulmonary artery is the blood vessel that carries blood to the lungs.

This blockage is called an embolism. The embolus can be made of a fat droplet, an air bubble, or, most commonly, a blood clot (thrombus).2

A blood clot may form in the deep veins of the body, named a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This blood clot travels in the bloodstream, lodging in the pulmonary artery and causing an embolism.2

The reduced blood flow to the lungs can cause debilitating symptoms including shortness of breath and can be life-threatening.1,2