Sometime with thrombosis or thrombophlebitis of a deep vein, a portion of the thrombus becomes detached and travels through the veins to the right side of the heart and is then pumped into the lung circulation, where it blocks an artery in the lung. This is called pulmonary embolism.Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism.Depending on the size of the pulmonary embolus, it can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or cough (that may produce blood-streaked sputum). In extreme cases, loss of consciousness or even sudden death may occur.Pulmonary embolism may not be suspected, especially if the person has heart and lung disease already. Prompt diagnosis is critical, because about 10 percent of people with pulmonary embolism die within the first hour.Who Is Affected by Pulmonary Embolism? Your risk of having a pulmonary embolus increases if you are confined or immobile for prolonged periods, in other words, the same conditions that are likely to cause deep venous thrombosis or thrombophlebitis. The most likely times for pulmonary embolism to occur are after surgery, stroke, heart attack, hip or leg fracture, or prolonged bed rest or inactivity (such as sitting for a long time in a plane or car). Your risk is also higher if you are overweight or if your blood has an abnormally high tendency to clot.*208\252\8*
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