But if you spot the symptoms early and seek prompt medical care, pulmonary embolism is treatable. Anti-coagulant (blood-thinning) medications help prevent further blood clots, and a treatment called thrombolytic therapy helps dissolve an existing clot.

Can embolisms go away?

A pulmonary embolism may dissolve on its own; it is seldom fatal when diagnosed and treated properly. However, if left untreated, it can be serious, leading to other medical complications, including death.

How long can you live with embolism?

About 25% of people who have a PE will die suddenly, and that will be the only symptom. About 23% of people with PE will die within 3 months of diagnosis, just over 30% will die after 6 months, and there is a 37% mortality (death) rate at 1 year after being diagnosed.