Symptoms Sudden shortness of breath Chest pain that worsens when breathing in Coughing up blood Rapid heart rate or breathing Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting Excessive sweating Bluish skin Causes and risk factors Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot that forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs, that breaks off and travels to the lungs. Risk factors: Prolonged inactivity, recent surgery or injury, blood-clotting disorders, hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy, smoking, cancer, and older age are all risk factors. Diagnosis CT pulmonary angiography: The most common diagnostic test, which uses a CT scan with a special dye to visualize blood flow in the arteries of the lungs. Ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan: Another imaging test that may be used. Treatment Anticoagulant medications: Blood thinners are the primary treatment to prevent new clots from forming and to allow the body to break down existing ones. Thrombolytic therapy: In severe cases, a doctor may administer medication to dissolve the clot. Thrombectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the clot. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter: A device can be placed in the large vein to catch clots and prevent them from reaching the lungs, particularly when anticoagulants cannot be used. Survival rate Untreated: Up to 30% mortality rate. Treated early: Approximately 8% mortality rate. Prevention Stay active: Move around regularly, especially on long trips. Wear compression stockings: These can help improve blood circulation in the legs. Take prescribed medications: Follow your doctor's advice on blood-thinning medications if you are at risk.