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Read MoreA pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow and leading to sudden chest pain, shortness of breath or lightheadedness. This serious condition requires prompt recognition and treatment to protect lung and heart function and reduce the risk of complications.
What Is Pulmonary Embolism?
A pulmonary embolism (PE) happens when a blood clot, most often originating in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis, dislodges and travels through the bloodstream to block one or more arteries in the lungs. When the clot becomes lodged in a pulmonary artery, it impedes blood flow, reducing oxygen delivery and increasing pressure on the right side of the heart. This blockage can lead to sudden symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate or even collapse, depending on the size and location of the embolus.
Pulmonary Embolism Types
PEs can be classified by their size, location and their effects on blood flow and heart function. Common types include:
- Saddle embolism: A large clot blocking where the main lung artery splits, putting extra pressure on the right side of the heart
- Massive PE: A clot blocking a large part of the lung’s blood vessels, often causing dangerously low blood pressure or shock
- Submassive (intermediate-risk) PE: A clot that strains the right side of the heart but doesn’t cause low blood pressure
- Segmental/Peripheral PE: Smaller clots in the smaller branches of the lung arteries, usually causing milder symptoms but still needing treatment
Pulmonary Embolism Risk Factors
Immobilization, recent surgery, trauma, active cancer and inherited clotting disorders all raise Pulmonary Embolism risk. Hormone-related causes include pregnancy, use of estrogen-containing contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. Other PE risk factors are obesity, smoking, advanced age, heart disease and a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or PE.
What Are the Symptoms of a Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
A PE often causes sudden symptoms that require immediate medical attention. Signs and symptoms of a PE may include:
- Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
- A low-grade fever
- Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sharp, stabbing chest pain that may worsen with deep breaths
- A rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting
- A cough, sometimes producing bloody or blood-tinged sputum
- Excessive sweating or a cold, clammy feeling
- Anxiety, restlessness or a feeling of impending doom
- Swelling, pain or tenderness in one leg (if a deep vein thrombosis is present)
How Is Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosed?
A PE is diagnosed through patient history, physical exam and specialized tests. Doctors often use clinical risk assessment tools and D-dimer blood tests to suggest the presence of a clot. A CT pulmonary angiogram injects contrast dye to visualize blockages in lung arteries, while a ventilation‐perfusion (V/Q) scan evaluates airflow and blood flow mismatches. When imaging isn't possible, an ultrasound can identify DVT in the legs and an echocardiogram may show heart strain from a large embolus.
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Pulmonary Embolism Treatment Options
Anticoagulant Medications
The most common treatment, these blood thinners prevent existing clots from growing and reduce the risk of new ones forming.
Thrombolytic
Used in severe or life-threatening cases, these powerful clot-busting medications rapidly dissolve clots but carry a higher risk of bleeding.
Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter
A small filter may be placed in the large abdominal vein to catch clots before they reach the lungs for patients who cannot take blood thinners.
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Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis
A minimally invasive procedure in which a catheter delivers clot-busting drugs directly to the site of the embolism for targeted treatment.
Surgical Embolectomy
In emergencies, surgery can remove a large clot from the lungs. Endovascular or surgical embolectomy may be an option if other treatments have not worked or the patient is in shock.
Our Approach to Pulmonary Embolism Treatment
At Inspira, we offer rapid, coordinated care for pulmonary embolism. Our team of emergency medicine, cardiology, pulmonology, hematology, interventional radiology and more delivers prompt, evidence-based care. We focus on fast diagnosis, clear communication and ongoing prevention so you can recover quickly and reduce your risk of future clots.
