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What is a pulmonary embolism and why is it dangerous?
Occasionally, especially after surgery, clots form in the blood and follow the blood stream to the lungs. When these clots reach the lungs, they can block the arteries and this is a pulmonary embolism.
While most cases of pulmonary embolism do not cause death, they can. Because the artery to the lung is blocked, oxygen can't get to the heart and can cause heart damage. When the damage is severe enough, this can cause death.
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