Pulmonary embolism is more common in older adults, but it can sometimes affect younger people. Usually, it results from an underlying health issue.
It’s important to receive a diagnosis early so you can start treatment and reduce your chance of severe complications or death.
Your risk of pulmonary embolism typically increases after age 40.
However, a 2020 study found that people 25 to 64 years old in the United States had a 2.1% overall increase in pulmonary embolism-related deaths from the years 1999 to 2018. The authors note this may be due to racial and geographic disparities, and identifying and addressing these issues may be important to reduce preventable deaths in younger adults.
According to the American Lung Association, factors that increase your chance of a pulmonary embolism include:
- sedentary lifestyle
- genetics
- obesity
- estrogen in the form of birth control or HRT
- pregnancy
- prior history of pulmonary embolism
- smoking
- certain medical conditions, including some rheumatologic diseases, heart disease, and some metastatic cancers
Awareness of the signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism is important to promptly detect this condition and get treatment.
Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can include:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- coughing up blood
If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to get immediate medical help.