What is a pulmonary embolism?
A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the arteries of the lungs, usually by a blood clot that has travelled from a vein in the leg or pelvis (a deep vein thrombosis, or DVT). It can reduce blood flow through the lungs and strain the heart, and it can be life-threatening. Prompt treatment saves lives.
Who is at risk?
- Prolonged immobility — long flights or car journeys, bed rest after surgery or illness
- Recent surgery, especially on the legs or pelvis
- Previous blood clots
- Pregnancy and the weeks after delivery
- Certain cancers, inherited clotting tendencies and some medications
Symptoms
- Sudden breathlessness
- Chest pain, often worse on breathing in
- A fast heart rate
- Coughing up blood
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- A DVT may cause one-sided leg swelling, warmth or pain
This is an emergency
If you have sudden breathlessness or chest pain, especially together with leg swelling or after a period of immobility, call your local emergency services immediately.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
Doctors assess your history and risk, and confirm the diagnosis with a blood test and a CT scan of the lung arteries; leg ultrasound may find the source clot. Treatment uses anticoagulant (“blood thinner”) medicines to stop the clot growing and prevent new ones; severe cases need hospital care. Prevention during travel and hospital stays includes keeping mobile, compression stockings where advised, and medicines for people at high risk.
Related: contact us for guidance on heart and vascular symptoms.