Overview
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot — usually from the deep veins of the legs — travels to the lungs and blocks an artery. It can cause sudden breathlessness and chest pain and may be life-threatening.
Rapid diagnosis and blood-thinning treatment are critical, followed by assessment to find and address the underlying cause.
Common symptoms
- Sudden breathlessness
- Sharp chest pain, worse on breathing in
- Rapid heart rate or lightheadedness
- Sometimes leg swelling or pain (from a clot)
How I can help
Urgent risk assessment and confirmatory imaging
Prompt anticoagulation (blood-thinning) therapy
Severity-based care, including critical care when needed
Investigating the cause and planning duration of treatment
Frequently asked questions
Is a pulmonary embolism an emergency?
Yes. Sudden breathlessness with chest pain or collapse needs emergency care immediately. Prompt treatment is life-saving, so do not wait for symptoms to settle on their own.