A life-threatening emergency when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, causing sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and potentially death without immediate treatment.
CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY for sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that worsens with breathing, coughing up blood, rapid heartbeat with dizziness, or fainting. Pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency.
Find a Specialist NowPulmonary embolism (PE) is one of the most time-critical medical emergencies. When a blood clot lodges in the arteries of your lungs, it can be fatal within hours without treatment.
Minor PE: Small clots that may cause mild symptoms or none at all.
Moderate PE: Larger clots causing significant symptoms but adequate heart function.
Massive PE: Large clots causing severe symptoms, low blood pressure, and shock—immediately life-threatening.
The Classic Triad:
Other Warning Signs:
Immediate Stabilization: Oxygen therapy, IV fluids, cardiac monitoring.
Anticoagulation: Heparin initially, then oral anticoagulants for at least 3 months.
Advanced Treatments for Severe PE: Thrombolytics, catheter-directed therapy, or surgical embolectomy.
Know the warning signs. If you experience sudden shortness of breath with chest pain—don't wait. Call emergency services immediately.
"Ang hininga ay buhay—kapag bigla itong nawala, tumawag agad ng tulong." (Breath is life—when it suddenly disappears, call for help immediately.)
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