PE Treatment: Pulmonary Embolism Care & What to Expect

If you suspect a pulmonary embolism (PE), get emergency care immediately—this can be life threatening. In the ER doctors focus on stabilizing breathing and blood flow, then run tests like CT pulmonary angiography, D-dimer, and ultrasound to confirm the clot.

Treatment usually starts with anticoagulants. Heparin or low molecular weight heparin is common at first because they act fast. After stabilization, most patients switch to oral anticoagulants such as warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like apixaban or rivaroxaban. These medicines prevent new clots and let the body break down the existing clot over time.

For large, dangerous clots or when a patient is unstable, doctors may use thrombolytics (clot-busting drugs) to dissolve the clot quickly. Thrombolytics carry a higher bleeding risk, so teams weigh benefits versus risks carefully. In select cases where drugs can’t be used, interventional radiologists may perform catheter-directed thrombolysis or mechanical clot removal.

When a Filter or Surgery is Needed

An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter can catch clots traveling from leg veins to the lungs. Doctors consider a filter when anticoagulants are unsafe or ineffective. Filters are often temporary; your team will discuss timing for removal. Rarely, open surgery (embolectomy) is done when other options fail or the situation is critical and immediate removal is needed.

Home Care, Follow-up, and Prevention

After the hospital stay, expect follow-up with a specialist to decide how long to continue anticoagulation—commonly three to six months, but longer in some cases. Learn how to take your medicine, monitor for bleeding signs, and when to seek help. Travel, prolonged bed rest, pregnancy, cancer, and some genetic conditions raise your risk. To lower future risk: stay active, hydrate during long trips, use compression stockings after blood clots if advised, and treat underlying causes like deep vein thrombosis.

Mild shortness of breath and reduced exercise tolerance can last weeks to months. Pulmonary rehabilitation and gradual activity increase help recovery. Ask your doctor about blood tests and imaging schedule, and whether an anticoagulation clinic or app can help track therapy and dosing adjustments.

Want quick practical tips? Keep a list of current medicines and allergies, wear a medical ID if you take long-term anticoagulants, avoid contact sports that increase bleeding risk, and check with your provider before starting new drugs or herbal supplements. If you see sudden chest pain, heavy shortness of breath, fainting, or coughing up blood, go to the nearest ER—those signs need urgent evaluation.

Managing anticoagulation means regular checks. Warfarin users need INR blood tests and dose changes when foods, antibiotics, or other drugs interfere. DOACs need less lab monitoring but still require kidney function checks, especially in older people. If you plan a procedure or dental work, tell your care team you are on blood thinners—some procedures need a temporary pause. Keep a clear record of past clots, family history, and any cancer treatments, because these factors change treatment length and intensity. Ask about support groups and online resources for patients.