What is it like to die of pulmonary embolism? do you choke to death or go unconscious instantly?

Morbidly Quick: Pulmonary emboli can present in all sizes. Small clots may cause painful breathing, cough, and mild symptoms. Larger emboli or a massive saddle embolus can produce rapid heart rates, impressive shortness of breath, circulatory collapse and death. A massive embolus that blocks main pulmonary vessels causes dramatic strain on the cardiovascular system and can result in sudden collapse and death.