Discharge Instructions for Pulmonary Embolism

You have been diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. This occurs when one or more blood clots form in another part of your body and then travel to your lungs. There, the blood clots block a blood vessel.

Home Care

• Take your medications exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses.

• Avoid sitting, standing, or lying down for long periods without moving your legs and feet.

• When traveling by car, stop to get out and move around at least once every three hours.

• On long airplane, train, or bus rides, get up and move around when possible.

• If you can’t get up, wiggle your toes and tighten your calves to keep your blood moving.

• Ask your doctor about daily aspirin therapy.

• Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day, unless directed otherwise.

• Wear support stockings as directed by your doctor.

• Learn to take your own pulse. Keep a record of your results. Ask your doctor which readings mean that you need medical attention.

Lifestyle Changes

• Begin an exercise program. Ask your doctor how to get started. You can benefit from simple activities such as walking or gardening.

• If you are a smoker, break the smoking habit. Enroll in a stop-smoking program to improve your chances of success.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Get help to lose any extra pounds.

• Cut back on salt. Here are some tips:

  • Limit canned, dried, packaged, and fast foods. These tend to be high in salt.

  • Don’t add salt to your food at the table.

  • Season foods with herbs instead of salt when you cook.

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.