"Pulmonary Embolism"

An embolus is a blood clot that breaks free and circulates in the blood. As it travels, it can become lodged in a downstream vessel causing blockage of blood flow.

When clots form in the veins of the legs or pelvis, they may break free, travel through the right side of the heart and become lodged in the pulmonary artery. If the clot is large, this can cause sudden death. This is called a pulmonary embolism.

Following his beating and as a result of his tortuous position on the cross, Jesus was at risk for venous thrombosis and subsequent pulmonary embolism.