Diagnosis and Treatment
In an acute situation, patients may be given oxygen, blood thinners, blood pressure elevating agents, and/or blood clot dissolving agents. While smaller blood clots are treated with blood thinning drugs, a massive blood clot, when quickly diagnosed, may sometimes be surgically removed. In most cases of massive pulmonary embolisms, however, the result is fatal.
The best treatment for PE is prevention through treatment of underlying causes and reduction of risk factors. The strongest risk factor for pulmonary embolism is physical immobility, and blood clots are particularly common after surgery. Therefore, doctors recommend walking and activity after surgery when possible. Support hosiery can also prevent blood clots. Patients can also take steps to reduce their risk factors by quitting smoking, avoiding prolonged rest during illness, and walking around regularly when traveling on airplanes or other forms of transportation that involve long periods of sitting still.

Last updated: 11-Apr-07