Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when blood clots in the deep veins (DVT) break free, travel through the circulatory system to the lungs, and lodge in a main artery or arteries, blocking blood flow. This blockage can cause high blood pressure in the lungs. As a result, the heart pumps harder than usual, and may enlarge and eventually fail from being overworked. PE is part of a condition known as venous thromboembolism or VTE.