Definition:
A blood clot that migrates into the lungs. Blood clots that cause pulmonary embolisms typically arise inside the right atrium or the right ventricle of the heart, or from the deep veins of of the legs, thighs or pelvis.
Once in the lungs, pulmonary embolisms block the flow of blood to large portions of the lung. This prevents blood from being repleted with oxygen and causes shortness of breath. Often, pulmonary embolisms are lethal.
See this short video of a pulmonary embolism
Also Known As: PE
