Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels from the legs to the lungs and blocks blood flow. Learn the symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic tests, and how anticoagulation prevents dangerous complications.

D-dimer is a blood test used to evaluate for dangerous blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. A normal result in the right patient can safely rule out clot, but an elevated value does not confirm one. Context and clinical risk matter.