When is GP consultation recommended for pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that travels to a blood vessel in the lungs. It may cause sudden breathlessness, sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness or coughing blood. These symptoms can have other causes, but their sudden onset means a clinician must assess them promptly rather than relying on a routine appointment.

If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, call emergency services and follow their instructions. Sit or lie in a safe position, avoid driving yourself, and tell responders about recent surgery, prolonged immobility, pregnancy, previous clots or medicines. If a pulmonary embolism has already been diagnosed, arrange GP follow-up for treatment review and ongoing symptoms as directed by the treating team.

Get emergency help immediately for severe difficulty breathing, fainting, blue or grey lips, confusion, intense chest pain, coughing blood, or a rapidly worsening condition. A swollen or painful leg together with breathing symptoms also needs urgent assessment.

Ask how to take prescribed anticoagulant treatment, what bleeding symptoms require help, when activity can increase, and which breathlessness or chest symptoms should be reported without delay.