First AHA/ACC acute pulmonary embolism guideline: Prompt diagnosis and treatment are key
Medical Xpress
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Acute pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening condition caused by blood clots blocking arteries in the lungs, demands immediate attention. The first-ever joint clinical practice guideline from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) emphasizes the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment to improve patient outcomes. Published in *Circulation* and *Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC)*, this comprehensive guide provides detailed recommendations for evaluating, managing, and caring for adults with acute PE.
Acute PE often results from blood clots that travel to the lungs, typically originating from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs. Symptoms can include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications or death. Early detection is critical because delays in
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/19/2026