What to expect from a GP consultation for pulmonary embolism

The GP will ask when breathlessness, chest pain, coughing or faintness began, whether symptoms are changing, and about factors that can increase clot risk, such as recent surgery, reduced movement, pregnancy, previous clots or hormone medicines. They may check your breathing, pulse, blood pressure, temperature and oxygen level, and listen to your chest. A suspected pulmonary embolism cannot be confirmed by a routine consultation alone. The GP may arrange immediate transfer to hospital for blood tests, scans and monitoring.

Tell the GP about medicines, allergies, previous bleeding, recent travel or immobilisation, and any diagnosed clotting condition. Bring a current medicine list if possible. Do not drive yourself if you feel breathless, faint or unwell. Follow the referral instructions promptly; hospital clinicians may decide whether anticoagulant treatment or further investigation is appropriate.

Call emergency services for sudden or worsening breathlessness, severe chest pain, coughing blood, collapse, marked dizziness or a very fast heartbeat. These symptoms need emergency assessment rather than waiting for a routine GP appointment. If symptoms are milder but new, contact a medical service urgently and explain that a blood clot in the lung is a concern.

Ask what findings make hospital assessment necessary, which medicines to pause or continue, how to travel safely, and which symptoms should trigger emergency help while you are waiting.