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.

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.

World Thrombosis Day 2025

World Thrombosis Day — Blood Clots in 60 Seconds

Today is World Thrombosis Day. Here is a quick 60-second explainer on blood clots.

One in four people worldwide die from conditions caused by thrombosis. Blood clots often form silently, most commonly in the legs as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When blood flow slows — after surgery, long flights, illness or immobility — a clot can develop.

The danger is when a clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). Together, DVT and PE are known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). Around 60% of VTE occurs in hospital, making it the leading preventable cause of hospital-related death.

In clinical practice, especially here in Singapore, vascular surgeons can remove the clot, restore blood flow, and prevent long-term damage using minimally invasive endovascular techniques. But awareness remains the key: recognising symptoms early saves lives.

Know the signs and symptoms of a blood clot:

• Leg swelling

• Pain or tenderness

• Leg discoloration

• Sudden shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Fainting or feeling light-headed

• A racing heartbeat

If these symptoms appear, seek urgent medical attention.