Symptoms

Pulmonary embolism symptoms can vary greatly, depending on how much of your lung is involved, the size of the clots, and whether you have underlying lung or heart disease.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath. This symptom typically appears suddenly and always gets worse with exertion.
• Chest pain. You may feel like you're having a heart attack. The pain is often sharp and felt when you breathe in deeply, often stopping you from being able to take a deep breath. It can also be felt when you cough, bend or stoop.
• Cough. The cough may produce bloody or blood-streaked sputum.

Other signs and symptoms that can occur with pulmonary embolism include:

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Fever
• Leg pain or swelling, or both, usually in the calf caused by a deep vein thrombosis
• Clammy or discolored skin (cyanosis)

When to see a doctor

Pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain or a cough that produces bloody sputum.