What medical condition involves the obstruction of pulmonary arteries by a clot?

Pulmonary Embolism is a medical condition characterized by the blockage of one or more pulmonary arteries in the lungs, typically caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or other parts of the body (deep vein thrombosis). This condition can lead to serious complications as it impairs the ability of the lungs to oxygenate blood and can dramatically affect cardiovascular health.

The urgency and clinical implications of a pulmonary embolism necessitate a quick diagnosis and treatment to restore blood flow and minimize damage. Pulmonary embolism presents with symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and in severe cases, can result in sudden death.

In contrast, myocardial infarction refers to a heart attack due to blockage in the coronary arteries, pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, leading to fluid or pus fill, and congestive heart failure is a progressive condition where the heart is unable to pump adequately, often resulting in fluid accumulation. While all these conditions are significant in their own right, they do not involve the obstruction of pulmonary arteries by clots specifically as pulmonary embolism does.