Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage of the artery that carries blood to the lungs and can be potentially life threatening. This blockage is most often caused by a blood clot but could also be due to an air bubble or a deposit of fat. Where the blockage has been caused by a blood clot it is most likely to have come from a deep vein in the leg (see Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)). The symptoms of PE include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing and feeling faint. Anticoagulant medicines, such as Warfarin, are normally prescribed for the treatment, and prevention, of pulmonary embolism.