What happens if pulmonary embolism is not treated?

A pulmonary embolism is a clot that travels into a blood vessel in the lungs. If it remains untreated, the obstruction can make it harder for blood to pick up oxygen and harder for the heart to push blood through the lungs. A larger or multiple blockage can place sudden stress on the heart and may cause collapse.

Symptoms may intensify, including shortness of breath, chest pain, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or coughing up blood. The clot may also coexist with a clot in a deep vein, which can enlarge or travel further. Prompt assessment is needed because the seriousness cannot be judged safely from symptoms alone.

Treat suspected pulmonary embolism as an emergency. Call local emergency services for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, marked weakness, or coughing up blood, and do not drive yourself. Sit or lie in a position that makes breathing easier while waiting for help, and avoid exertion.

Hospital assessment may include monitoring, blood tests, and imaging to confirm the diagnosis and judge its effect on the heart and lungs. Treatment may include anticoagulation or other urgent measures chosen by the medical team. Do not start, stop, or share blood-thinning medicine without medical direction.

Call emergency services immediately for sudden or worsening shortness of breath, chest pain that may worsen with breathing, coughing up blood, fainting, confusion, blue or grey lips, or a very fast heartbeat with weakness. Symptoms can become dangerous quickly, so do not wait for them to pass or arrange a routine appointment.

After urgent care, ask where the clot is located, how long anticoagulation is expected to continue, which warning signs require emergency help, and how to take or monitor the prescribed medicine. Tell the team about bleeding, recent procedures, pregnancy, or medicines that may affect clotting.