What is the primary clinical feature of pulmonary embolism?

The primary clinical feature of pulmonary embolism is the sudden onset of dyspnea. This symptom results from the obstruction of pulmonary blood vessels, typically due to a blood clot, which diminishes the blood flow to a portion of the lungs and impairs gas exchange. The rapid development of shortness of breath can occur at rest or during exertion and is often the first sign that patients experience, leading to an urgent evaluation for this potentially life-threatening condition.

Other symptoms may accompany dyspnea, such as chest pain or cough, but these are not as characteristically abrupt or definitive as the dyspnea itself in the context of pulmonary embolism. Understanding the acute nature and significant impact of sudden dyspnea helps in quickly recognizing and managing this emergency effectively.