What is the first treatment tried for pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that has travelled to a blood vessel in the lungs. Anticoagulants reduce the blood's ability to form or extend clots while the body gradually breaks down the existing clot. The first dose may be given in hospital, depending on symptoms, test results and bleeding risk. A clinician may use scans and blood tests to assess the diagnosis, heart strain and safest treatment. Severe cases may need a different hospital procedure.

Treat possible pulmonary embolism as urgent. Follow the medical team's instructions and tell them about bleeding, recent surgery, pregnancy, liver or kidney disease, and all medicines or supplements. If anticoagulation is prescribed after discharge, take it on schedule and attend monitoring appointments when requested. Do not stop it or double a missed dose without advice.

Call emergency services for sudden or severe breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, fainting, new confusion or a racing heartbeat with weakness. Do not drive yourself if these symptoms are present. Anyone already taking an anticoagulant should also seek urgent advice for heavy bleeding, vomiting blood, black stools or a serious head injury.

Ask how the diagnosis was assessed, why a particular anticoagulant was chosen, how long treatment is expected to continue, and which bleeding symptoms need urgent help.