Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Thromboembolism history and symptoms
Introduction
History
History
It is vital that the possibility of pulmonary embolism be included in the history, as this may warrant further investigation (see pulmonary embolism).
A careful history has to be taken considering risk factors of thromboembolism, including the use of estrogen-containing methods of hormonal contraception, recent long-haul flying, and a history of miscarriage (which is a feature of several disorders that can also cause thrombosis). A family history can reveal a hereditary factor in the development of DVT.
Symptoms
Symptoms
The symptoms and signs of thromboembolism may include:
- Tachypnea
- Dyspnea
- Chest pain
- Discomfort in the legs
- Pleuritic pain
- Apprehension and anxiety
- Cough
- Tachycardia
- Syncope
- Right heart failure
- Jugular venous distention
- Hepatomegaly
- Left parasternal heave
- Fixed splitting of the second heart sound
- Dilation of the surface veins
- Hemoptysis
- Fever
- Hyperemia in thrombosis, pallor in embolism
- Local swelling
- Local pain
- Tenderness
- Very low blood pressure
- Lightheadedness
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]