Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism

The signs and symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism are as follows:

Sudden onset of chest pain which is sharp and stabbing in nature
Shortness of breath / difficulty breathing
The pain worsens when breathing deeply. This is referred to as pleurisy or pleuritic pain
Dry hacking cough
Cough may produce bloody sputum
Stable vital signs such as blood pressure and respiratory rate but may at times have an elevated heart rate
Low blood pressure
In severe cases of pulmonary embolism, shock or cardiac attack may result
In cases where the blood clot is large, oxygen saturation rates may be compromised. In a normal individual, oxygen saturation levels stand at 100% at sea level but for a person suffering from pulmonary embolism, these rates may be significantly less
Blue-tinged skin due to oxygen deprivation
Weakness and lightheadedness
Feelings of anxiety or apprehension
Excessive sweating
Loss of consciousness
A swollen or painful leg or arm may indicate the presence of DVT that led to the pulmonary embolism

Causes

References