Pulmonary Embolism

Key facts

• A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot, usually formed in a deep leg vein, that travels to the lungs and blocks a pulmonary artery. It is a medical emergency.
• Classic symptoms are sudden breathlessness, sharp chest pain that worsens on breathing in, a rapid heart rate, and coughing up blood; these need emergency care immediately.
• Anticoagulants are the core treatment. Direct oral anticoagulants such as rivaroxaban are approved for treating PE and reducing recurrence, and need no routine blood-test monitoring.
• Treatment length depends on whether the clot had a clear trigger; longer courses are used when the underlying risk persists.

Anticoagulation, the core of PE treatment

Stopping the clot from growing and preventing new ones is the immediate priority, both in hospital and through the weeks of recovery that follow. Direct oral anticoagulants have largely replaced older agents because they do not require routine monitoring. Rivaroxaban is one such agent, approved for the treatment of PE and for reducing the risk of recurrence. People with heart and blood pressure conditions may have extra considerations that affect which anticoagulant is chosen and for how long.

When to seek help

Call emergency services for sudden breathlessness, sharp chest pain on breathing in, a racing heart, coughing up blood, or collapse. PE can be fatal within hours if untreated, so do not wait.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.