Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

Houston Methodist heart and vascular specialists diagnose and treat pulmonary embolism (PE), a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in which a blood clot blocks one or more pulmonary arteries in the lungs. Prompt diagnosis and coordinated care are essential.

 

Our team uses advanced imaging technology and AI-assisted detection tools to help identify possible clots on CT scans and support faster, more accurate diagnosis. Your care plan is tailored to your condition, symptoms and overall health — with a focus on safety, timely treatment and long-term outcomes.

What Is Pulmonary Embolism?

Pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage in one or more pulmonary arteries that is most commonly caused by a blood clot that travels from the deep veins of the legs or pelvis. PE is part of the venous thromboembolism (VTE) disease spectrum.

 

The severity of a pulmonary embolism can range from a small clot causing few symptoms to a large blockage that places sudden strain on the heart and becomes life-threatening. Prompt treatment is critical for survival and can improve recovery outcomes.

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Ranked #10 in the Nation for Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery and Ranked #11 in the Nation for Pulmonology & Lung Surgery

Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked Best in Texas and No. 10 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery. Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked Best in Texas and No. 11 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for Pulmonology & Lung Surgery. U.S. News & World Report has also named Houston Methodist Hospital one of the nation's best as a nationally ranked Honor Roll hospital.

 

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Common Causes of Pulmonary Embolism

The cause of PE is typically known. Most pulmonary embolisms originate from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs. Additional risk factors include:

 

  • Prolonged immobility (extended bed rest, hospitalization or long-distance travel)
  • Recent surgery or major injury, especially involving the legs, hips or abdomen
  • Cancer or cancer treatment
  • Pregnancy or the postpartum period
  • Blood clotting disorders or a personal or family history of clots
  • Obesity, which can impair circulation and increase inflammation
  • Hormone therapy or hormonal birth control, particularly in women with additional risk factors
  • Smoking, which affects blood flow and clotting function
  • Age, with risk increasing as you get older, particularly after age 40
Why Choose Houston Methodist for Pulmonary Embolism Care

Why Choose Houston Methodist for Pulmonary Embolism Care

If you experience symptoms of a blood clot, you need prompt evaluation and a clear plan for treatment. Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center provides comprehensive care for pulmonary embolism, from rapid diagnosis through advanced treatment.

 

Our multidisciplinary team personalizes your care plan and collaborates across specialties, uses advanced diagnostics and, when appropriate, provides access to clinical trials evaluating new therapies.

 

Our goal is to remove the blood clot, restore function and help you return to the activities that matter most to you.

Signs & Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism symptoms can range from subtle to severe — some patients experience no symptoms at all. PE is a medical emergency. Delayed treatment significantly increases the risk of serious complications and death.

 

Call 911 or seek emergency care immediately if you experience sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood or fainting. Even symptoms that seem mild can signal a serious clot and should be evaluated promptly, especially if they develop suddenly or worsen over time. Early diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving.

Sudden Shortness of Breath

Unexplained shortness of breath — especially when it comes on suddenly — is one of the most common and urgent warning signs of pulmonary embolism.

Chest Pain

PE can cause sharp or stabbing chest pain that may worsen with deep breathing. This symptom can be mistaken for a heart attack and always requires prompt immediate evaluation.

Rapid Heartbeat or Dizziness

A fast or irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness or fainting can indicate that the heart is under strain from a blocked pulmonary artery.

Coughing Up Blood

Coughing up blood or blood-tinged mucus can be a sign of pulmonary embolism and should be treated as a medical emergency. If this occurs, call 911 immediately.

Blood Clot in the Lung

A "blood clot in the lung" is how patients commonly describe a pulmonary embolism. Most pulmonary embolisms occur when a clot forms in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis and travels to the lungs. This progression makes prompt DVT evaluation and treatment critical.

PE Disease Progression

A pulmonary embolism (PE) can have serious effects on the lungs and heart, especially if it is not treated promptly. In some cases, the blockage may place strain on the heart or lead to longer-term changes in the pulmonary arteries.

 

Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of complications. Understanding how PE can progress may help you recognize when symptoms are not improving and when follow-up care is important.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

Pulmonary embolism is part of venous thromboembolism (VTE), a group of conditions that also includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

 

These conditions are closely connected. A clot that forms in a deep vein — most often in the leg — can travel to the lungs and become a pulmonary embolism. Because of this, doctors often monitor for both DVT and PE and manage them as part of the same condition.

 

If you have had one VTE event, you may have a higher risk of developing another clot in the future. Ongoing care and prevention strategies can help reduce this risk.

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)

In some people, a pulmonary embolism does not fully resolve. Over time, this can lead to ongoing blockage or scarring in the pulmonary arteries, increasing pressure in the lungs — a condition called Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH).

 

CTEPH can develop months after a pulmonary embolism and may cause persistent symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue or reduced ability to exercise.

 

Although CTEPH is a serious condition, it is often treatable. Early diagnosis and specialized care can help improve symptoms and long-term outcomes.

How Pulmonary Embolism Is Diagnosed

Your doctor begins with a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, vital signs and risk factors. If pulmonary embolism is suspected, imaging tests are used to confirm the presence and severity of the clot. Houston Methodist offers a rapid diagnostic pathway for suspected PE, including:

 

 

In many cases, evaluation for suspected pulmonary embolism begins immediately in an emergency setting. Testing is often completed within hours to quickly confirm the diagnosis and determine the best treatment approach. Your care team will guide you through each step and explain your results in real time.

Treatment Options for Pulmonary Embolism

 

At Houston Methodist, our team rapidly evaluates the severity of the clot, your hemodynamic stability and overall health to recommend the safest and most effective treatment for your specific situation. Care options range from anticoagulation to minimally invasive procedures and surgery. Some patients are treated with medication alone, while others may require more intensive intervention.

 

Whenever possible, our vascular surgeons use catheter‑based, minimally invasive techniques. In more complex cases, open surgery may be required to safely remove the clot.

  • Non-Surgical Treatment

    If your pulmonary embolism is considered stable, it may be treated without invasive procedures. Options may include:

     

    • Anticoagulants – Often called blood thinners, these medications are the cornerstone of treatment for many patients with pulmonary embolism. They help prevent existing clots from growing and reduce the risk of new clots forming while the body gradually breaks down the blockage over time. Treatment duration depends on your condition and risk factors, and your care team may coordinate ongoing management.
    • Systemic thrombolysis – In higher-risk cases, clot-dissolving medication may be delivered through an IV to quickly break down the clot when immediate intervention is needed.

  • Surgical Treatment

    Intermediate- to high-risk pulmonary embolism may require minimally invasive or surgical intervention. Houston Methodist offers a full range of treatment options, including:

     

    • Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) – Delivers clot-dissolving medication directly into the pulmonary artery, helping clear the clot more quickly while lowering bleeding risk
    • Mechanical thrombectomy for PE – Uses catheter-based devices to remove or break up the clot
    • Surgical embolectomy – Removes the clot during open surgery, typically reserved for life-threatening cases
    • IVC filter placement – Places a filter in the inferior vena cava to help prevent additional clots from reaching the lungs in patients who cannot take anticoagulants

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