Pulmonary embolism (PE) refers to a blockage of one of the pulmonary arteries usually from a blood clot, causing a reduction in blood flow through the lung, resulting in hypoxia and increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries.

Blood clots usually form outside of the lungs in other parts of the body such as the arm or leg, called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This clot then travels up the body, through the right side of the heart and into the lungs.  

Diagnosis is based on confirmation via CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA), or a ventilation/ perfusion (V/Q) scan. If there are delays in investigations, treatment is often started prior to PE confirmation if there is high clinical suspicion.  

People at high risk of developing a PE:

• Post trauma

• People who have been immobile for long periods of time due to bed rest or surgery

• A personal or family history of clotting disorders such as DVT or PE, heart failure or stroke

• People with a cancer diagnosis or undergoing chemotherapy

• Overweight or obese

• Pregnant or given birth in the last 6 weeks

• Taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy

• Use of central venous catheters through the arm or leg