What are the first signs of pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism happens when a blood clot travels to an artery in the lungs and interferes with blood flow. Symptoms may begin abruptly, but they can also build over time. Chest pain may worsen with a deep breath, and breathing may feel difficult even when resting. A swollen, painful calf can occur when the clot began in a leg. These symptoms have other possible causes, but a sudden combination should be treated as an emergency rather than watched at home.

If these symptoms are new or sudden, stop exertion and seek emergency medical help. Do not drive yourself if you are breathless, faint, or having chest pain. Tell responders about recent surgery, prolonged immobility, pregnancy, previous clots, or medicines that affect clotting. Hospital assessment may lead to anticoagulation management and other tests.

Call emergency services immediately for sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, fainting, severe dizziness, confusion, or a very fast or irregular heartbeat. Symptoms can worsen quickly, so a normal-looking appearance does not make them safe to ignore.

Could my symptoms indicate a clot? Which warning signs should my family watch for? If anticoagulation is prescribed, how will it be monitored?