Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism, a sudden blockage in a lung artery, can be fatal.

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What is pulmonary embolism?

A sudden blockage in a lung artery that often involves a blood clot in the leg.

What causes pulmonary embolism?

The cause is usually a blood clot in the leg called deep vein thrombosis that breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to the lung. A serious condition, a pulmonary embolism can cause permanent damage to the affected lung, low oxygen levels in the blood and damage to other organs. If a clot is large – or there are many – a pulmonary embolism can lead to death.

What are the symptoms of pulmonary embolism?

Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath and coughing up blood. If you have a blood clot, your leg may hurt. It also may be red and feel warm, tender and swollen.

How does Ohio State diagnose pulmonary embolism?

Your doctor will check your legs for signs of deep vein thrombosis, as well as your blood pressure and heart and lungs. You also may undergo diagnostic tests, including an ultrasound, a computed tomography (CT) scan and a pulmonary angiography.

How does Ohio State treat pulmonary embolism?

Treatment focuses on breaking up clots and keeping other clots from forming.

Our Providers

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Raymond Magorien, MD
4.9 out of 5

Raymond Magorien, MD

  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Physician

Associate Professor of Internal Medicine

Accepting new patients
  • Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital
  • Ambulatory Care Center in Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital
(614) 293-7677
Bryan Whitson, MD, PHD
4.9 out of 5

Bryan Whitson, MD, PHD

  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Physician

Professor of Surgery

Accepting new patients
  • Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital
  • Ambulatory Care Center in Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital
(614) 293-5502
Kelvin Chan, MD
4.7 out of 5

Kelvin Chan, MD

  • Interventional Radiology
  • Diagnostic Radiology
  • Physician

Assistant Professor of Radiology

Accepting new patients
(614) 293-7637

Our Locations

Ohio State Outpatient Care East

Lung Care

in Outpatient Care East
543 Taylor Ave.
Columbus, OH 43203
614-688-6540
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Lung Care

in Martha Morehouse Outpatient Care
2050 Kenny Road
Suite 2200
Columbus, OH 43221
614-293-4925

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