What is a clinical feature of pulmonary embolism?

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, often caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the deep veins in the legs. One clinical feature of pulmonary embolism is an altered level of consciousness. This change can occur due to a combination of factors, including reduced oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxemia) and inadequate blood flow to the brain. Both of these can lead to confusion, dizziness, or even loss of consciousness in severe cases.

While weight gain, persistent headache, and abdominal pain can be associated with various medical conditions, they are not primary clinical features of pulmonary embolism. In particular, weight gain does not directly correlate with the acute symptoms of PE, and headaches and abdominal pain may arise from numerous other causes. Understanding the specific clinical features of conditions like pulmonary embolism is important for accurate assessment and timely intervention.