While a pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening, your risk of death is much lower if it is diagnosed early and treated promptly with anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication. With proper treatment and regular follow-up, most people recover fully and go on to live a normal life.

The treatment for thrombosis in both the main pulmonary arteries and their branches involves urgent hospital admission and immediate treatment with injectable anticoagulants, such as heparin, followed by long-term oral blood thinners, such as apixaban or dabigatran, to prevent clot growth and recurrence. In severe or life-threatening cases, thrombolysis (clot-busting drugs) or emergency surgery may be required to quickly remove the blockages and restore blood flow to the lungs.