Pulmonary embolus (PE) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases. In the UK, 47 594 cases were reported in the 1-year period between 2013 and 2014.1,2 The symptoms of PE may be relatively mild, and therefore can be easily missed.3
The GP is exposed to a wide spectrum of symptoms and signs, and most patients with suggestive symptoms of a PE do not have the disease.4 Chest pain has a low regression …