Key Points

• A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage of an artery in the lung, usually due to a blood clot that traveled in the bloodstream to the lung from the leg. The clot blocks blood flow to part of the lung. PE can be life threatening.
• In most cases, PE is a complication of a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In DVT, blood clots form in the deep veins of the body—most often in the legs. These clots can break free, travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, and block an artery.
• At least 100,000 cases of PE occur each year in the United States. PE is the third most common cause of death in hospitalized patients. If left untreated, about 30 percent of patients with PE will die. Most of those who die do so within the first few hours of the event.
• The greatest risk for PE occurs in people who have DVT, have previously had DVT, or have previously had PE.
• PE occurs equally in men and women.
• Your risk for PE doubles every 10 years after age 60.
• The most common signs and symptoms of PE are unexplained shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing, or coughing up blood. Other symptoms may be linked to DVT, such as swelling of the leg. It's possible to have PE and not have any signs or symptoms of PE or DVT.
• Your doctor will take your medical history and do a physical exam and several diagnostic tests to decide whether you have PE.
• The main goals in treating PE are to keep the current blood clot from getting bigger and to stop new clots from forming.
• Treatment varies depending on how severe your symptoms are.
• Treatment usually includes anticoagulant medicines (blood-thinning medicines), such as warfarin (Coumadin^®) and heparin, which help prevent clots from forming and help keep clots from getting larger.
• Preventing PE begins with preventing DVT.
• Contact your doctor at once if you have any signs or symptoms of DVT or PE.