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LIFESTYLE + WELLNESS MEDICATIONS eMedicineHealth Home > Pulmonary Embolism Healthcare Professionals1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Glossary Next Page Pulmonary Embolism Pulmonary Embolism Overview Pulmonary Embolism Causes Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms When to Seek Medical Care Pulmonary Embolism Treatment Medical Treatment Next Steps Follow-up Prevention Outlook Multimedia Synonyms and Keywords Authors and Editors Pulmonary Embolism Overview A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot in the lung. It usually comes from smaller vessels in the leg, pelvis, arms, or heart. When a clot forms in the legs or arms, it is referred to as a deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The clot travels through the vessels of the lung continuing to reach smaller vessels until it becomes wedged in a vessel that is too small to allow it to continue farther. The clot gets wedged and prevents any further blood from traveling to that section of the lung. When no blood reaches a section of the lung, that portion of the lung suffers an infarct, meaning it dies because no blood or oxygen is reaching it. This is referred to as a pulmonary (or lung) infarct. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Glossary Next Page Next: Pulmonary Embolism Causes >> Printer-Friendly Format Email to a Friend

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