A thorough medical history is an important part of diagnosing
pulmonary embolism. The information that you provide
can help your doctor develop a general idea of whether you are at increased
risk for developing a blood clot that can lead to pulmonary embolism. Your
doctor will want to know:
- Whether you or any immediate family members have
a history of developing blood clots.
- What your general health is
and whether you have any other serious medical conditions, such as
cancer.
- Whether you recently have been on a long trip or on an
airplane or have been immobilized for a long stretch of
time.
- Whether you are taking any hormone medications, especially
birth control pills or estrogen replacement.
- Whether you have
recently had surgery.
- Whether you have recently had a central
venous catheter inserted into a large vein.
