Glossary term
Pulmonary Embolism
Reference only — not medical advice. See disclaimer.
A potentially fatal condition in which one or more blood clots, usually originating as a deep vein thrombosis in the leg, travel through the bloodstream and lodge in the pulmonary arteries, obstructing blood flow to the lungs. Symptoms include sudden-onset shortness of breath, chest pain, and collapse, and it represents one of the most serious risks associated with post-operative immobility and long-haul travel.