#45 - Pulmonary Embolism

Why does a clot in the lungs kill? It isn’t suffocation—it’s mechanical plumbing failure. In this episode, we strip away all the confusing aspects surrounding Pulmonary Embolism and look at it through a first principles approach. We discuss a very famous triad, V/Q mismatches and how you would approach a patient that has just hopped off a long-haul flight and now has chest pain in the ED 👀 . Whether you’re on the wards or prepping for exams, this is the fundamental physiological map you need before you ever order that CTPA. === Other links === 1PM Website: https://app.notion.com/p/1pm/45-Pulmonary-Embolism-PE-3b9ef1d0b55f8097a0b6e8d24af06281?v=4d229ecad0cb49b68d92006860e3059d&source=copy_link Check out our new website 1pm.wiki for the Notion document, free Anki flashcards, and podcast episodes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstprinciplesofmedicine Recorded 30 June 2026. Hosts: Titus Leong, Sithum Fernando, Eric Ny, Truman Lo . Produced by Titus Leong. If you have any ideas or feedback, comment on this Notion document, or shoot us an email at [email protected] @ First Principles of Medicine 2026