Can a pulmonary embolism be prevented?

A pulmonary embolism and a deep vein clot are named separately but get discussed together. This page answers whether the first can be prevented and says where the second comes in.

The answer first

medlineplus.gov writes, "Preventing new blood clots can prevent PE." and goes on to say "Prevention may include: Continuing to take blood thinners." The abbreviation in that quote stands for pulmonary embolism, and the sentence ties its prevention to clot prevention.

The two terms side by side

Because the answer runs through blood clots, the deep vein thrombosis overview and the venous disease overview are the useful companions here. Reading both lets you see how each publisher frames the clot that this prevention advice is aimed at.

The follow-up to ask next

The sentence names blood thinners as one example of prevention. What blood thinners are, and what they do not do, is the next comparison on this site.