Common Signs & Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
As stated above, symptoms don’t always occur due to pulmonary embolism. When symptoms do occur (often due low oxygen levels in the blood) they can include:
Shortness of breath, wheezing or other signs of difficulty breathing normally. Along with chest pains, having trouble breathing is the most common symptom of pulmonary embolism. Chest pains can sometimes feel similar to having a heart attack. They may occur during sleep or after a stressful episode.
The National Institute of Health, called the Prospective Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis (PIOPED), conducted a large study. They found that:
- 73 percent of patients with PE who had symptoms experienced some shortness of breath;
- 66 percent experienced chest pains; and
- 37 percent struggled with coughing.
Coughing up blood
Rapid heart rate, rapid breathing and high blood pressure
After being examined by their doctor, some people with PE will show signs of a fever, have abnormal heart beats and have abnormal sounds coming from their lungs and heart.
Damage to one of the vital organs, which can include the brain or lungs. The term pulmonary hypertension refers to damage caused by increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries of the lungs. Pulmonary infraction is the condition caused by death of cells in the lungs, and damage to lung tissue because of a lower oxygen supply.
- Swelling and signs of inflammation in one of the legs where the clot has formed. This can include warmth, pain, tenderness and redness of the affected leg.
- Changes in skin appearance or color near the clot site. This might develop in only one leg or in both and spread up the legs from the clot location.
- Difficulty walking or moving normally.
- Sometimes scaling or ulcers form in the affected part of the body.
- According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, blood clots in the thighs are more likely to break off and cause complications than blood clots in the lower legs or other parts of the body.

January 20, 1971 - March 12, 2018.
God, Great God!
All The Glory Belongs To You!
Thank you!
..Aremo Adekunle Adelodun
March 10th 2018
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