See also: List of states and territories of the United States. This table includes abbreviations for three independent nations related to the United States through Compacts of Free Association, and other comparable postal abbreviations, including those now obsolete. Codes and abbreviations for U.S. states, territories and other regions.
Pulmonary embolism is the sudden blockage of a major blood vessel (artery) in the lung, usually by a blood clot . In most cases, the clots are small and are not deadly, but they can damage the lung. But if the clot is large and stops blood flow to the lung, it can be deadly.
1 A blood clot is a mass formed by platelets and fibrin in the blood to stop bleeding. 2  There are a variety of risk factors and illness that can lead to blood clot formation. 3  Causes of blood clots may include: 4  certain heart conditions, 5  pregnancy, 6  prolonged immobility,7  smoking, 8  certain medications, 9  surgery, and. Blood clots can cause heart attack or stroke; or pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the area of the clot. 2  The diagnosis is suggested by the history and physical examination and often confirmed with an imaging test. 3  Treatment may require surgery, anti-coagulation medications, or a combination of the two.