Which specialist treats pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the lungs. It can reduce how well blood moves through the lungs and place strain on the heart. Hospital teams use the symptoms, examination, blood tests, scans, and your medical history to assess for it and decide treatment. Respiratory physicians, cardiologists, haematologists, or vascular specialists may contribute depending on the findings, the likely source of the clot, pregnancy status, other illnesses, or treatment complexity.

Do not wait for a routine GP appointment if you have new unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or coughing up blood; seek emergency medical care. Do not drive yourself if you are severely breathless, faint, or have intense chest pain. If you have already been diagnosed, take anticoagulation exactly as prescribed and tell each clinician or pharmacist about it before starting medicines, supplements, or procedures. Attend all follow-up visits so your team can review treatment and bleeding risk.

Call emergency services immediately for sudden severe breathlessness, collapse, confusion, blue or grey lips, severe chest pain, or coughing up blood. These symptoms need urgent evaluation because they can arise from several serious conditions, including pulmonary embolism. If you are on an anticoagulant, seek urgent advice for significant bleeding, a fall or head injury, black stools, or vomiting blood.

Ask which team will coordinate your care, what caused or contributed to the clot in your case, and how long anticoagulation is expected to be considered. Discuss interactions with your current medicines, what to do if you miss a dose, travel or activity advice, and the symptoms that need emergency attention.