What condition is most likely to result in cardiac arrest due to massive pulmonary embolism?

Massive pulmonary embolism occurs when a significant blood clot travels to the pulmonary arteries and obstructs blood flow, which can lead to cardiac arrest due to sudden cessation of oxygen supply to the heart and lungs. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is directly associated with this condition because clots formed in the deep veins of the legs can dislodge and travel to the lungs, forming a pulmonary embolism.

Understanding the connection between DVT and pulmonary embolism is crucial, as various factors increase the likelihood of clots forming in the veins, such as prolonged immobility, certain medical conditions, or surgical interventions. Once a clot moves to the lungs, it can quickly result in cardiac arrest due to the abrupt obstruction of blood flow and subsequent compromised respiratory function.

While conditions like pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and sickle cell disease are serious and can impact respiratory and cardiovascular health, they are not direct precursors to the specific mechanism of cardiac arrest due to a massive pulmonary embolism. In contrast, DVT directly contributes to the formation of pulmonary embolisms, making it the most likely condition to precede cardiac arrest resulting from this specific scenario.