Signs and Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
The signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE) are not always the same in each person, but may include:1,2
Shortness of breath
Chest pain; this is usually a sharp stabbing pain that may worsen when you breathe in
Fainting or dizziness
Coughing and/or coughing up blood
Prior to PE, symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may also occur
The risk of developing PE is highest if you:1,2
- Have a DVT. A blood clot can form in the deep veins of the legs and travel to the lungs
- Have had DVT or PE in the past
- Have undergone recent surgery or hospitalization or have been inactive for a long period (including long-distance travel). Being immobile causes your blood to collect in the lower legs making it more likely to clot; being active increases the blood flow around your body
- Have had a heart attack in the last 3 months
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis? The most common source of a clot that causes a pulmonary embolism is deep vein thrombosis, known as DVT Read more about DVT
The risk of PE can also be increased if you:1,2
- Are over 60 years old
- Have cancer
- Are pregnant or have given birth in the last 6 weeks
- Take medications such as combined hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy
- Are obese
- Have one or more significant medical conditions including heart disease, inflammatory disease or respiratory disease
- Have varicose veins
- Have a blood clotting disorder, e.g. thrombophilia
References
- Konstantinides SV, Meyer G, Becattini C, Bueno H, Geersing GJ, et al. 2019 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism developed in collaboration with the European Respiratory Society (ERS): The Task Force for the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Eur Heart J. 2020;41(4):543–603 Return to content
- Healthily. Pulmonary Embolism [Internet]. [cited 2020 Nov 5]. Available from: https://www.livehealthily.com/embolism Healthily. Pulmonary Embolism [Internet]. [cited 2020 Nov 5]. Available from: https://www.livehealthily.com/embolism Return to content
