New research sheds light on long-term recovery after pulmonary embolism

A new review published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis examines what long-term recovery from pulmonary embolism actually looks like for patients. Pulmonary embolism, a serious and sometimes life-threatening type of blood clot in the lungs, can leave up to half of survivors with lingering symptoms such as shortness of breath, reduced exercise tolerance and lower quality of life, even months or years after treatment.

The review highlights that imaging alone often cannot explain why some patients recover fully while others do not, and it points to structured rehabilitation, psychosocial support and patient education as key strategies for improving long-term outcomes. The findings reinforce the need for a more holistic approach to blood clot recovery and follow-up care, a core focus of World Thrombosis Day’s mission to raise awareness of thrombosis and its lasting impact on patients worldwide.