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.