PE
Virchow’s Triad: Hypercoagulability, Venous Stasis, and Vessel Injury.
Most Common Cause: Deep Vein Thrombosis
Thrombus formation in the systemic circulation is dislodged and travels to the vena cava. Movement from the systemic circulation to the heart and eventually to the smaller pulmonary vessels causes an obstruction and eventually impaired perfusion in that area of the lungs. We observe a decrease in cardiac output and eventually death d/t hypovolemic shock.
Clinical Manifestations: Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea), Increased Resp Rate (Tachypnea), Chest Pain, Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension).
High risk group: Elderly and those with sedentary lifestyles.
Health Science 