Pulmonary Embolism: Understanding the Life-Threatening Condition Behind Catherine O’Hara’s Sudden Death

Catherine O’Hara, beloved actress and comedian, has died unexpectedly at the age of 71 from a pulmonary embolism, a dangerous blood clot in the lungs. O’Hara’s work, from Schitt’s Creek to Home Alone, touched generations, making this loss all the more shocking. A pulmonary embolism (PE) can become life-threatening very quickly because it blocks blood flow to the lungs, reducing oxygen levels and putting stress on the heart. What makes PE particularly dangerous is that it can affect people who appear healthy, often striking without warning. To help the public understand this condition, NBC Palm Springs Mary Strong talks to Dr. Dan Naim, a board-certified pulmonary and critical care physician with the Beverly Hills Lung and Sleep Institute, to explain what to watch for and how to prevent it.