Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism (or PE) is a blood clot that gets into blood vessels in the lungs and prevents normal flow of blood in that area. This blockage causes problems with gas exchange. Patients with pulmonary embolism typically develop the sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain or low oxygen levels.  

Typically, the blood clot forms after a period of immobility such as surgery, a prolonged illness or long travel, though some patients will develop a blood clot for seemingly no reason. For most patients, our primary focus is preventing another blood clot by using blood thinning agents and monitoring heart function. Depending on how big the clot is and the number of vessels involved, a pulmonary embolism can be a life-threatening event.

Our physicians are additionally actively involved in the management of acute pulmonary embolism requiring hospitalization through our inpatient pulmonary and critical care services at Cone Health hospitals.

Learn more about pulmonary embolism here.