Which patient population is most at risk for developing pulmonary embolism?

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot blocks a pulmonary artery in the lungs. Among the various patient populations, post-operative patients are particularly at risk for developing PE due to a combination of factors associated with surgery and recovery.

After surgery, patients often experience immobility, which can lead to venous stasis (the stagnation of blood flow in the veins), a key risk factor for thrombus formation. Additionally, surgical procedures, particularly those that involve trauma to the legs or pelvic area, can increase the likelihood of clot development. The risk is further amplified by factors such as the type of surgery (orthopedic surgeries, for example, are associated with a higher risk), the length of the operation, and the patient's overall health status (e.g., existing medical conditions or obesity).

While pregnant women are also at an increased risk due to hormonal changes and venous compression, the specific post-operative context makes the risk particularly pronounced. Young athletes and elderly patients without mobility issues do not typically exhibit the same level of risk factors as the post-operative cohort. Therefore, the patient population most at risk for developing pulmonary embolism is indeed post-operative patients.