How to Diagnose Pulmonary Embolism

Beginner 45 min 14 steps 9841 views Rating: 4.7/5 Published: 2026-04-14

Recognize the signs and symptoms of a potential pulmonary embolism.. Seek treatment if you have signs of an already-present DVT (deep venous thrombosis).. Consider your risk factors.

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Steps

1

Recognize the signs and symptoms of a potential pulmonary embolism.

Step 1

Recognize the signs and symptoms of a potential pulmonary embolism.

2

Seek treatment if you have signs of an already-present DVT (deep venous thrombos

Step 2

Seek treatment if you have signs of an already-present DVT (deep venous thrombosis).

3

Consider your risk factors.

Step 3

Consider your risk factors.

4

Get blood tests.

Step 4

Get blood tests.

5

Have an electrocardiogram, or ongoing cardiac monitoring.

Step 5

Have an electrocardiogram, or ongoing cardiac monitoring.

6

Receive a CT angio scan.

Step 6

Receive a CT angio scan.

7

Opt for a V/Q (ventilation-perfusion) scan.

Step 7

Opt for a V/Q (ventilation-perfusion) scan.

8

Ask your doctor for a pulmonary angiography.

Step 8

Ask your doctor for a pulmonary angiography.

9

Take an anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication.

Step 9

Take an anticoagulant (blood thinning) medication.

10

Opt for thrombolytic therapy.

Step 10

Opt for thrombolytic therapy.

11

Have a clot filter inserted to prevent future emboli (clots).

Step 11

Have a clot filter inserted to prevent future emboli (clots).

12

Ask about catheter-directed thrombolysis.

Step 12

Ask about catheter-directed thrombolysis.

13

Receive a surgical embolectomy.

Step 13

Receive a surgical embolectomy.

14

Determine the underlying cause.

Step 14

Determine the underlying cause.

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