Pulmonary embolism

This is a blood clot (also called a thrombosis), or more commonly many blood clots, within the lungs. Blood clots that arrive in your lungs normally come from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that typically forms in the slower more sluggish veins of your legs or pelvis. Your body’s natural system normally dissolves these clots (for two thirds of people, their PE is entirely gone by six weeks).

We can use blood thinning treatment (also called anticoagulation) to thin your blood to help prevent further blood clots from forming. Many people will need lifelong blood thinning to help keep them safe from further clots.

We will explain what has happened to you, assess your condition, and then make recommendations to help keep you safe in the future. If you have any concerns you should contact your GP.

You can find out more on the NHS website.