What Are the Symptoms of a Pulmonary Embolism?
The following are the most common symptoms for pulmonary embolism (PE). However, each individual may experience symptoms differently:
- Sudden shortness of breath (most common)
- Chest pain (usually worse with breathing)
- A feeling of anxiety
- A feeling of dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Palpitations (heart racing)
- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
- Sweating
- Low blood pressure
- Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, such as:
- Pain in the affected leg (may occur only when standing or walking)
- Swelling in the leg
- Soreness, tenderness, redness, and/or warmth in the leg(s)
- Redness and/or discolored skin
You may or may not have these symptoms should a pulmonary embolism occur. Usually, if a PE is suspected, the physician will check your legs for evidence of a deep vein thrombosis.
The type and extent of symptoms of a pulmonary embolism will depend on the size of the embolism and whether the person already has existing heart and/or lung problems.
The symptoms of a pulmonary embolism may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.