What Is a Pulmonary Embolism? Video 4/31
What Is a Pulmonary Embolism? Video 4 of 31
A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks one of the pulmonary arteries.
In most cases, the clot begins in the leg as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) before breaking off and travelling through the bloodstream to the lungs.
When material travels through the bloodstream and blocks another vessel, this is called an embolus.
Pulmonary embolism can cause symptoms such as:
• sudden shortness of breath
• chest pain
• rapid heart rate
• collapse or fainting
In severe cases, pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening and requires urgent diagnosis and treatment.
This video is part of a 31-day Blood Clot Awareness Month series explaining the causes, symptoms and treatment of blood clots.
Blood clots can be life-threatening, but treatable if caught early.
Know the signs. Act fast. Stop the clot.
What Is a DVT? Deep Vein Thrombosis Explained (Day 3/31)
What Is a DVT? Deep Vein Thrombosis Explained (Day 3/31)
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the leg. The deep veins are responsible for carrying blood back toward the heart, so when a clot forms it can block normal blood flow and lead to leg swelling, pain, warmth, or redness. Sometimes symptoms can be mild — which is why DVT can be missed.
The major concern with DVT is pulmonary embolism (PE). If part of the clot breaks off, it can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs and cause a PE. This can be life-threatening and may present as chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden collapse.
DVT can also cause serious problems in the leg itself. In severe cases, extensive clot burden can block most venous drainage from the limb, leading to phlegmasia — a surgical emergency with severe swelling, pain, and threatened limb viability.
Even after treatment, some patients develop post-thrombotic syndrome, a long-term complication that can cause chronic leg swelling, heaviness, skin changes, and venous ulcers.
Why Do Blood Clots Form? Day 2/31 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth
Why Do Blood Clots Form? (Day 2/31) #BloodClotAwarenessMonth
Blood clots are the body’s natural response to stop bleeding after an injury. The problem is when a clot forms inside a vein or artery without a clear wound — it can block blood flow and become dangerous.
Common risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) include prolonged immobility (long flights or bed rest), recent surgery, cancer, pregnancy, hormonal therapy, obesity, and inherited clotting disorders. A clot in the leg can cause DVT; if it travels to the lungs it can cause PE.
Warning symptoms to take seriously include sudden one-sided leg swelling or calf pain, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
If you’re in Singapore and concerned about blood clots, DVT/PE risk, varicose veins, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), or other vascular conditions, early assessment matters. Dr Andrew Choong is a Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon in Singapore treating venous and arterial disease, including clot-related problems.
Learn more or book a consultation: https://www.drandrewchoong.com
What is a Blood Clot? Day 1/31 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth
What is a blood clot? Day 1/31 #BloodClotAwarenessMonth
Blood clots stop bleeding when you’re injured. But if they form inside a vein or artery, they can block blood flow and cause DVT, PE, stroke or heart attack. Sudden leg swelling, chest pain or shortness of breath? Don’t ignore it.
Merry Christmas 2025
A short Christmas message from Dr Andrew Choong, thanking colleagues, staff, and patients for their trust, and wishing everyone a peaceful Christmas and a healthy, hopeful year ahead.
Merry Christmas!!!
It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I hope you are able to spend this time with your loved ones.
Before the year comes to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues, my team, and most importantly, my patients, for the trust you have placed in us this year. It has been a privilege to be part of your care journey.
I hope you are having a wonderful Christmas, and I wish you and your families good health, peace, and joy.
Here’s to an amazing 2026 ahead.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Happy Deepavali 2025
Wishing everyone a warm and joyful Deepavali. A celebration of light, renewal and community from all of us at Andrew Choong Vascular Surgery.
Happy Deepavali 2025
To all who are celebrating, Happy Deepavali. Wishing you and your families light, joy and new beginnings during this festive season.
Deepavali is a meaningful reminder of hope, renewal and the triumph of light over darkness. It is also a time for connection — with family, with friends and with the communities we serve.
From all of us at Andrew Choong Vascular Surgery, thank you for letting us be part of your care journey this year. May this season bring you peace, warmth and good health.