What medical condition is associated with a blood clot blocking blood flow to the lungs?

A pulmonary embolism is a serious medical condition that occurs when a blood clot, usually originating from the deep veins of the legs (a condition known as deep vein thrombosis), breaks free and travels to the lungs. Once it reaches the lungs, the clot can obstruct blood flow in the pulmonary arteries, leading to impaired gas exchange, reduced oxygen levels in the blood, and increased pressure on the heart, which can result in significant complications or even death.

The symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heart rate, and in some cases, coughing up blood. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential for improving outcomes, typically involving anticoagulants to dissolve the clot or surgical intervention in severe cases.

In contrast, pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that results in fluid or pus-filled air sacs, chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of the airways typically due to smoking and results in chronic cough and mucus production, and a heart murmur is an abnormal sound during the heartbeat cycle due to turbulent blood flow, which does not directly relate to blood clots. Understanding these conditions helps differentiate pulmonary embolism from other respiratory or cardiac issues.