Pulmonary Embolism: Therapy

General measures

  • Immobilization – not for severity level 1
  • Early discharge and outpatient therapy in “carefully selected” low-risk patients may be considered if subsequent anticoagulation is warranted on an outpatient basis (Class IIa recommendation).
  • After the acute phase:
    • Nicotine restriction (refraining from tobacco use).
    • Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on the existing disease.
    • Aim for normal weight!Determination of BMI (body mass index, body mass index) or body composition using electrical impedance analysis.
      • BMI ≥ 25 → participation in a medically supervised weight loss program.

Vaccinations

The following vaccinations are advised:

  • Flu vaccination
  • Pneumococcal vaccination

Regular checkups

  • Structured follow-up after pulmonary embolism or venous thromboembolism (VTE) would be more than desirable.
  • Every 3 to 6 months after acute pulmonary embolism, it should be checked whether there is evidence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (pulmonary hypertension caused by an entrained thrombus (blood clot) vascular occlusion (embolism)).

Physical therapy (including physiotherapy)