Overview
A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery carrying blood from the heart to the lungs. This reduces blood flow through the affected area, which may lower the oxygen level in the blood. The blockage also makes the heart work harder to push blood through the lungs.
A newly developed blockage, called acute pulmonary embolism, needs urgent assessment. Some patients remain stable, while others develop life-threatening breathing or circulation problems. Pulmonary embolism treatment usually involves medicines that prevent further clotting, along with additional treatment for severe cases.
At Sarvodaya Hospital, a renowned advanced pulmonary embolism treatment hospital, patients can consult the Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine team for assessment and guidance on pulmonary embolism treatment. Care needs depend on the severity of the blockage, its effect on the heart and lungs, and the patient’s overall health.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
- Breathlessness
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness or fainting
- Leg symptoms
Causes of Pulmonary Embolism
Most cases begin with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg or pelvis. Part of this clot breaks away and travels through the heart into a lung artery.
Clot formation is encouraged by:
- Slowed Blood Flow: Blood moves more slowly through veins during prolonged immobility.
- Blood Vessel Injury: Surgery or injury can damage a vein’s lining and trigger clotting.
- Increased Clotting Tendency: Certain illnesses or inherited disorders make blood clot more easily.
Sometimes, no clear trigger is identified. These mechanisms cause clot formation; the circumstances below increase its likelihood.
Risk Factors for Pulmonary Embolism
Risk is higher in people with one or more of the following:
- Recent major surgery, serious injury or prolonged bed rest.
- Long journeys with little movement.
- Previous DVT, pulmonary embolism or a family history of blood clots.
- Active cancer or certain cancer treatments.
- Pregnancy, recent childbirth or use of oestrogen-containing medicines.
- Older age, obesity or inherited clotting disorders.
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism
The doctor reviews symptoms, clotting risks and medical history, then checks breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and the oxygen level in the blood.
Tests are selected according to how likely a clot is:
- D-dimer Blood Test: Measures a substance released as clots break down. A negative result can help exclude PE in suitable patients; a raised result alone cannot confirm it.
- CT Pulmonary Angiography: Uses detailed X-ray images and an injected contrast dye to show blockages in lung arteries.
- Ventilation-Perfusion (V/Q) Scan: A test that compares how well air and blood are flowing through your lungs. Doctors use this if a CT scan isn't a good fit for you.
- Leg Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to look for DVT in the leg veins.
- Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart checks whether the blockage is straining its right side. It cannot usually exclude PE on its own.
Pulmonary Embolism Treatment Options and Supportive Care
Pulmonary embolism treatment in Faridabad depends on blood pressure, breathing, heart strain, bleeding risk and existing illnesses.
- Anticoagulants: These medicines reduce the blood’s ability to clot. Pulmonary embolism anticoagulant treatment prevents clots from growing and reduces new clot formation while the body gradually clears the existing clot. Blood clot in lungs treatment usually continues for at least three months.
- Clot-Dissolving Medicines: Also called thrombolytics, these rapidly break down clots. They are generally reserved for life-threatening cases because they can cause serious bleeding.
- Catheter-Based Treatment: A thin tube passed through a blood vessel allows specialists to remove a clot or deliver clot-dissolving medicine directly to it in selected cases.
- Surgical Clot Removal: Pulmonary embolism surgery may be considered for severe cases when other treatments are unsuitable or unsuccessful.
- Supportive Care: Oxygen may be given when the oxygen level in the blood is low. Severe cases may require intensive monitoring and medicines to support blood pressure.
Benefits of Early Pulmonary Embolism Treatment
Prompt DVT and pulmonary embolism treatment can:
- Reduce the likelihood of existing clots growing.
- Lower the risk of additional clots reaching the lungs.
- Support breathing and circulation while recovery begins.
- Allow early recognition of deterioration and adjustment of treatment.
Complications if Left Untreated
An untreated blockage can reduce blood flow through the lungs and strain the heart.
Possible pulmonary embolism complications include:
- Lung Tissue Damage: Reduced blood supply can damage part of the lung.
- Right-Sided Heart Failure: The heart’s right side may become unable to pump effectively against the blockage.
- Shock or Cardiac Arrest: Severely reduced circulation can damage organs or cause the heart to stop pumping.
- Long-Term High Pressure in Lung Arteries: Persistent clots can raise pressure in these arteries, causing ongoing breathlessness and heart strain.
Some complications can occur despite treatment. Persistent breathlessness therefore needs follow-up assessment.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Arrange a routine appointment to discuss clot prevention or ongoing recovery concerns. New pain or swelling in one leg needs urgent same-day assessment.
Seek pulmonary embolism emergency treatment for:
- Sudden, unexplained breathlessness.
- New chest pain, particularly with breathing.
- Coughing up blood.
- Fainting, collapse or severe weakness.
- A racing heartbeat accompanied by breathlessness or chest pain.
Do not wait for a routine specialist appointment or drive yourself if seriously unwell.
Prevention & Lifestyle Modifications
Not every case is preventable, but these measures can reduce risk:
- Move Regularly: Break up prolonged sitting with walking and ankle movements.
- Follow Postoperative Advice: Begin moving after surgery as soon as the treating team says it is safe.
- Use Prescribed Prevention: Take preventive anticoagulants and use compression stockings or devices when advised.
- Discuss Personal Risks: Tell your doctor about previous clots before surgery, pregnancy care or hormone treatment.
- Plan Long Journeys: Ask about additional precautions if you have a history of clots. Do not self-start aspirin or anticoagulants.
Pre-Post Treatment Care
Pre-Treatment
- Undergo urgent assessment of breathing, circulation and clotting risk.
- Complete blood tests and scans as advised.
- Share all medicines, supplements and allergies, including previous contrast reactions.
- Mention pregnancy, kidney disease, recent surgery and any bleeding history.
- Follow preparation instructions if a surgery is needed; do not delay emergency assessment.
Post-Treatment
- Take anticoagulants exactly as prescribed; do not stop them independently.
- Check with the doctor before adding painkillers, supplements or other medicines.
- Attend follow-up visits and blood tests required for your medicine.
- Resume walking and other activities gradually, following medical advice.
- Report breathlessness that persists or recovery that stops progressing.
- Seek emergency care for renewed PE symptoms, uncontrolled bleeding, vomiting blood or black stools.
Reviewed & Updated On
Reviewed by Dr. Pankaj Chhabra Director & Head (Unit II) - Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine on 2 July 2026.
