PULMONARY EMBOLISM

Pulmonary Embolism (also known as PE) occurs when blood clots that form in the legs, arms or pelvis travel through the circulation and lodge in the blood vessels of the lungs causing a blocked artery. This results in less oxygen in the blood, and when this happens, the heart must work harder to pump blood.  This can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness or collapse.