What it is
It needs urgent treatment, usually with blood-thinning medicines (anticoagulants) for at least 3 months.
Large clots may need treatment to break them up. Moving around, staying hydrated and preventive medicines after surgery can lower the risk.
Common signs
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain, often worse when breathing in
- Coughing up blood
- A fast heartbeat
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- A painful, swollen leg
How it is usually diagnosed
- Blood tests, including D-dimer
- CT pulmonary angiogram
- Sometimes a lung scan (V/Q) or ultrasound of the legs
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- CT or lung scan reports
- Blood test results
- Discharge letters
- Anticoagulant plans and dose records
Questions to ask your doctor
- What caused the clot?
- How long will I need blood thinners?
- How can I lower the risk of another clot?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden breathlessness, chest pain or coughing up blood: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.