What is the most common cause of pulmonary embolism?

The most common cause of pulmonary embolism is deep leg vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the legs, which can happen for various reasons, such as prolonged immobility, certain medical conditions, or injury. When a piece of this clot breaks free, it can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism.

Understanding the pathophysiology of DVT highlights its significance as a primary contributor to pulmonary embolism. The process begins with blood stasis or hypercoagulability, which facilitates clot formation in the venous system. Once these clots form, they can dislodge and migrate, resulting in severe complications like obstructed blood flow in the pulmonary arteries, which can lead to respiratory distress and compromised oxygen exchange in the lungs.

The other options, while they may involve serious health issues, do not have the same direct association with pulmonary embolism as deep vein thrombosis does. Heart valve issues, for instance, can lead to the formation of vegetations that may embolize, but this is less common than clots originating from the venous system. Extensive bruising does not contribute to the formation of clots that would lead to a