For low-risk PE, the risk may be little affected.
Treatments can be prescribed to reduce your risk of complications that can lead to death.
There are diseases characterized by the abnormal formation of blood clots (thrombus).
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The vast majority of PE cases occur this way.
Left untreated, acute PE is associated with amortality (death) rateof as high as 30%.
Of those who received timely treatment, the mortality rate is around 8%.
Factors Affecting Survival
For pulmonary embolism, life expectancy is commonly measured with five-year mortality rates.
This is defined as the percentage of people who will die within five years of their diagnosis.
There are several categories of this.
Among them:
The severity of the PE event can also influence survival times.
Long-Term Symptoms and Complications
Surviving a PE isn’t the end of the story.
Long-term complications can cause symptoms even years after a PE is diagnosed.
Additionally, the risk of repeatblood clotsmay increase.
This is known aspulmonaryinfarction.
Supplemental oxygen may be necessary in some cases.
Surgery is the preferred treatment for CTEPH for those who are candidates.
It is also managed via medication if a person isn’t eligible for surgery.
Lung transplant is for those who are not candidates for or who have failed surgery or medical treatments.
This is true particularly if your PE was unprovoked.
In some cases, lifelonganticoagulants(blood thinners) may be prescribed to avoid this.
Knowing what to expect can help withcoping during recoveryand set you up for the best chance of success.
The rig helps “catch” the clot if it breaks free, preventing it from entering the lungs.
Recovery times from PE can vary.
However, symptoms tend to improve after several days of anticoagulant therapy.
When Hospitalization Is Unnecessary
Not everyone with PE requires a hospital stay.
Ongoing Treatment
You must address any underlying causes of blood clotting.
Depending on the cause of the PE, you may be advised to remain on lifelong anticoagulant therapy.
Summary
The prognosis after a PE varies widely based on many factors.
Age, underlying health conditions, and blood clot size are some predictors of mortality.
Recovery can take weeks to months, although certain complications can lead to long-lasting symptoms.
It’s important to take medication as prescribed and stay as active as possible to prevent further blood clots.
University of California at San Diego Health.Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
2021 Jun 25;20:e20200124.
Kaptein FHJ, Kroft LJM, Hammerschlag G, et al.Pulmonary infarction in acute pulmonary embolism.Thromb Res.
2021;202:162-169. doi:10.1016/j.thromres.2021.03.022
American Thoracic Society.Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
2021 Oct 19;10(20):e020428.
