How to Spot the Warning Signs of a Pulmonary Embolism

Medically reviewed by David Draughn, MD, FACS, DABS, DABVLM, RVT, RPVI, RPhS, on February 17, 2026

A pulmonary embolism, often called a PE, is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening without immediate treatment. Knowing how to recognize warning signs and when to seek help can save your life or the life of someone you love.

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow in the lungs. Most PEs begin as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs, but once a clot travels to the lungs, the symptoms change quickly and become far more serious. A new or worsening pulmonary embolism requires urgent care.

We consulted with Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein expert Dr. David Draughn, the lead physician at CVR’s vein clinics in Gastonia, North Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

“Pulmonary embolism is the rarest and deadliest complication of venous disease; deep vein thrombosis is next. Venous ulcers, leg swelling, leg pain, and ugly veins are the early beginnings of vein disease. While we don't treat spider veins to stop PE, all of the above are related to the common denominator: venous insufficiency. – Dr. David Draughn

Understanding the progression of chronic venous disease helps patients make informed decisions about their vascular health.

📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-249-8250
📅 Or book online HERE

Suspect a Blood Clot? Call CVR’s Same-Day DVT Hotline

If you notice symptoms that could indicate deep vein thrombosis, seek medical care right away because DVT can become a serious emergency. Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) offers a same-day DVT rule-out service with on-site imaging, treatment, and follow-up care. Call 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388) for immediate evaluation.

Call 911 immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Sharp, stabbing chest pain, especially when breathing deeply
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• An unexplained cough, especially if coughing up blood

According to Temple Health, pulmonary embolism can interfere with oxygen levels, place a dangerous strain on the heart, and worsen rapidly. Prompt emergency treatment is critical, and delays can be life-threatening.

Why Pulmonary Embolisms Often Start in the Legs

The veins in your legs carry blood back to your heart with the help of one-way valves. When these valves become weak or damaged, as in chronic venous insufficiency, blood flow slows and pools in the legs, a sign of impaired venous circulation.

Deep vein thrombosis is widely cited as the most common cause of pulmonary embolism because clots that form in deep veins, especially in the legs, can break off and travel to the lungs, causing PE. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, leg DVTs are a common source of PEs, as clots can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, where they block blood flow.

This is why venous insufficiency is not merely a vanity or comfort issue. 

When circulation problems in the legs go untreated, they can increase the risk of serious complications, such as skin changes and leg ulcers, especially in people with additional risk factors, including family history, prolonged immobility, or previous blood clots.

When to Seek a Vein Evaluation

If you have leg pain, swelling, varicose veins, or other signs of vein disease, early evaluation can help identify underlying circulation problems and determine whether further assessment or treatment is needed. 

At Center for Vein Restoration, experienced vein specialists use advanced ultrasound testing to evaluate venous function and guide appropriate care recommendations.

📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-249-8250
📅 Or book online HERE

Warning Signs of a Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism often causes sudden, severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention. Symptoms may vary depending on the size of the clot and the extent of lung blockage, but they usually come on without warning and can escalate quickly.

According to Mayo Clinic, common warning signs of a pulmonary embolism include:

• Sudden shortness of breath, even at rest, that worsens with activity
• Sharp chest pain that may feel like a heart attack and is often worse with deep breathing, coughing, or movement
• Fainting or near-fainting, caused by sudden drops in blood pressure or heart rate
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• A cough, which may produce blood or blood-streaked mucus

Other symptoms may include unexplained sweating, fever, leg pain or swelling (often in the calf), and clammy or bluish skin due to low oxygen levels. Remember: pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. Seek urgent emergency care if you experience any of these symptoms.

Who Is at Higher Risk for Pulmonary Embolism?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), venous thromboembolism (VTE), which is either DVT or PE, is the 4th leading cause of death in Western society.

 Several factors increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (DVT or PE), including:

• Prolonged sitting or bed rest
• Recent surgery or hospitalization
• Pregnancy and postpartum changes
• Obesity and smoking
• Hormone therapy
• Family history of blood clots
• Certain genetic clotting disorders

The CDC adds:

“The precise number of people affected by either a DVT or PE is unknown, although as many as 900,000 people could be affected each year in the United States. Sudden death is the first symptom in about one quarter (25%) of people who have a PE.”

How Pulmonary Embolism Is Diagnosed and Treated

Doctors diagnose pulmonary embolism using imaging tests such as CT pulmonary angiography, along with blood tests like D-dimer. Treatment depends on clot size, location, and overall health.

According to NYU Langone Health, modern treatment focuses on anticoagulant medications, also known as blood-thinning and clot-busting medications, which prevent clot growth and reduce the risk of new clots.

In severe cases, advanced therapies such as catheter-directed clot removal or thrombolytic medications may be used. Today’s treatment strategies prioritize effectiveness while reducing the risk of bleeding and shortening recovery time.

Warning Signs of a Deep Vein Thrombosis

Because most pulmonary embolisms begin as deep vein thrombosis, early recognition of DVT leg symptoms is critical. 

Warning signs may include:

• Leg pain or tenderness, often in the calf
• Swelling in one leg
• Warmth or redness of the skin
• A heavy or aching feeling in the leg

According to the Cleveland Clinic, treating a DVT early can prevent it from progressing to a pulmonary embolism.

How Vein Care Supports Overall Circulatory Health

Evaluating symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, heaviness, or visible veins can help identify underlying venous disease and other circulation concerns that warrant medical attention. Timely medical attention is critical for ruling out serious vascular conditions and ensuring appropriate vein care.

At Center for Vein Restoration, board-certified vein specialists use advanced ultrasound testing to diagnose vein conditions and provide personalized treatment to improve comfort, mobility, and long-term leg health. Schedule your vein consultation at CVR today to better understand your circulation and vein care options. 🔽

1. What is a pulmonary embolism, and why is it dangerous?
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow in the lungs, most often after traveling from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the leg. It is dangerous because it can reduce oxygen levels, strain the heart, and become life-threatening without immediate treatment.

2. What are the earliest warning signs of a pulmonary embolism?
Common warning signs include sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pain, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, or coughing up blood. These symptoms can appear suddenly and worsen quickly, making emergency care critical.

3. How are varicose veins and vein disease linked to pulmonary embolism?
Varicose veins and venous insufficiency reflect poor circulation and damaged vein valves, which can increase the risk of blood pooling and clot formation in the legs. Because many pulmonary embolisms begin as DVT, untreated vein disease may raise the risk of serious clot complications.

4. Can pulmonary embolism be prevented with vein care?
Vein care is not performed as a prevention strategy for pulmonary embolism. However, evaluation of leg symptoms can help identify venous disease or other conditions that may require medical monitoring or referral for clot risk assessment.