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Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

A pulmonary embolus is most often from a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep vein of the leg. This is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Part of the clot may break off and travel to the lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism. This can cut off the flow of blood in the lungs.


Health care providers use the term venous thromboembolism (VTE) to describe these 2 conditions: deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. They use the term VTE because the 2 conditions are very closely related. And, because their prevention and treatment are also closely related. 

Outline of man's torso showing heart, lungs, and major veins. Blood clot is in leg vein with arrow showing it traveling up vein to lung.

How is pulmonary embolism diagnosed?


  • Blood tests to check for blood clotting or other problems.

  • Imaging tests to look for clots in the veins or lung.

  • Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) to test how well the heart is working.

How is pulmonary embolism treated?

  • Blood-thinning medicines (anticoagulants). These medicines thin the blood. They may be given as a pill, as an injection, or through a tube into a vein (intravenous or IV). Blood thinners help prevent more blood clots from forming. They also help to prevent an existing clot from getting larger.

  • Thrombolysis. Thrombolytic medicines are used to quickly dissolve a blood clot. A long, narrow tube (catheter) is used to deliver medicine directly to the clot. Thrombolytic medicines increase the risk of bleeding so they are used very carefully.

  • Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter surgery. The vena cava is the body’s largest vein. It carries blood from the body to the heart. A small filter traps blood clots in the lower body and prevents them from traveling to the lungs. The filter is inserted into the vein through a catheter. The filter may be used if blood thinners cannot be taken or if they don't work. 

  • Pulmonary embolectomy. This is a procedure to remove a blood clot in the lungs. It may be done with surgery or with a catheter inserted in the body. It may be done when other treatments aren't safe or don't work.

What are the long-term concerns?

With treatment, blood clots are usually dissolved or removed. Some treatments can even help prevent future clots. But having a PE can put you at risk for another life-threatening blood clot. So, you will likely need to take anticoagulants to help keep blood clots from forming again. You may need to take this medicine for months or years.

You may also need to make lifestyle changes. This may include getting more active and eating healthier. You may need to wear elastic (compression) stockings and and take breaks on long trips.

Get emergency help

Call 911 or get emergency help if you have symptoms of a blood clot that has traveled to the lungs. The symptoms include:

  • Chest pain

  • Trouble breathing

  • Coughing (may cough up blood)

  • Fainting

  • Fast heartbeat

  • Sweating

Call your health care provider if you have swelling or pain in your leg, arm, or other area. These are symptoms of a blood clot.

You may have bleeding if you take medicine to help prevent blood clots. Call 911 if you have heavy or uncontrolled bleeding. Call your health care provider if you have signs or symptoms of bleeding. For example, blood in the urine, bleeding with bowel movements, or bleeding from the nose, gums, a cut, or vagina.


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