In January 2026, actor Catherine O’Hara, 71, died from a pulmonary embolism, or a blood clot in her lung.
This emergency medical situation occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs. Pulmonary embolisms are the third most common blood vessel condition, after heart attacks and stroke.
Unlike heart attacks and stroke, which happen when an artery is blocked, blood clots that travel to the lungs often originate in the veins of the legs, called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When the clot lodges in a lung, it can put immense pressure on the heart, which can lead to failure.
“More people are familiar with the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, so they don’t typically associate chest pain with a pulmonary embolism,” said Tom King, MD, an emergency medicine physician with Endeavor Health. “Sometimes the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism are mild, so people delay seeking care when they should head to the emergency room.”
What does a pulmonary embolism feel like?
A pulmonary embolism can cause sudden symptoms:
- Severe chest pain
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Back pain
- Sweating
- Rapid pulse
- Lightheadedness
It can also cause mild symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath after activities, and coughing, which don’t necessarily signal a more serious problem.
“It’s important to seek medical care if you experience even mild symptoms, and especially things like coughing up blood, unexplained breathlessness, or swelling and pain in one leg,” Dr. King said.
A blood clot in the lung is often treated with medication that will dissolve the clot. In rare situations, surgery may be necessary to remove the clot.
Who is at risk for pulmonary embolism?
Pulmonary embolism is rooted in DVT, which can occur at any age but is most common in those age 60 or older.
Certain things increase the risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism, including:
- Being age 6o or older
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Long periods of inactivity
- Obesity
- Family history of blood clots
- Recent major surgery
Cancer, which O’Hara also had, can also increase the risk of DVT and pulmonary embolism.
How do you prevent blood clots?
Being sedentary is one of the most common causes of blood clots.
“Regular movement, especially while traveling and sitting for hours, can go a long way toward increasing blood circulation,” Dr. King said. “Take steps to eliminate the risk factors you can control, such as smoking, obesity and inactivity.”
Elevating your feet or wearing compression socks can also help increase circulation.
It’s important to note changes in your baseline wellness, such as swelling or pain in your legs, chest pain, difficulty breathing or coughing, and seek treatment if you see symptoms.
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