Newly Diagnosed with Pulmonary Embolism

Find Out More About Pulmonary Embolism

Being newly diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism can feel scary and overwhelming, but it’s important to take the following steps when you or a loved one is diagnosed:

• Work with your healthcare provider to seek appropriate treatment in a timely fashion.
• Learn about the causes and risks associated with pulmonary embolism.
• Understand the symptoms of pulmonary embolism to be aware of possible recurrence.
• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding follow-up appointments and tests.
• Look out for signs of complications, such as symptoms of new clots, symptoms that may be associated with CTEPH and symptoms that may indicate a bleeding issue from taking anticoagulants.
• Before traveling, check with your healthcare provider about your plans and suggestive preventative measures.

Take Care of Yourself

Since patients who develop pulmonary embolism are more likely to develop a deep vein clot or blockage again within 10 years, it’s important to do what you can to minimize your risk after recovery. You can do so by making the following lifestyle changes:

• Staying active. If getting back into physical activity feels difficult, pulmonary rehab may be beneficial for you.
• Managing your weight, staying hydrated and following a healthy diet.
• Avoiding tobacco products.
• Avoiding long periods of inactivity and wearing compression socks during travel or when periods of inactivity are unavoidable.
• Taking your medications as prescribed.
• Making regular appointments with your healthcare provider and completing any follow-up testing they may recommend.

Connect With Others

Pulmonary embolism can be stressful for you and your loved ones, and many people experience some symptoms of anxiety or depression during and after recovery. These aren’t feelings you have to cope with alone. There are online and in-person support groups available where you can get support from others, learn more about your disease and feel empowered about management strategies.

• Join a Living with Lung Disease Community (online support community)
• Join a Better Breathers Club (support groups offered virtually and in person)
• Join the Patient and Caregiver Network (online network that offers a variety of resources, education and lung disease management tools).

You can also call the Lung Association's Lung Helpline at 1-800-LUNGUSA to talk to a trained respiratory professional who can help answer your questions about pulmonary embolism and they can help connect you with support.

Additional Resources

• Are You at Risk for a Pulmonary Embolism? (blog)