A pulmonary embolism occurs when part of a blood clot breaks off from a deep vein in the body, travels up to an artery or vein in your lungs, and causes a blockage. It is a type of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Smoking is one of the most common risk factors for severe health conditions that can affect the lungs, heart, brain, esophagus, and bladder, among other organs.

Research on the direct link between cigarette smoking and pulmonary embolism is mixed.

However, it’s widely considered a modifiable risk factor that could increase your risk of pulmonary embolism.

When to get immediate medical attention

Pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency that could be life threatening. If you experience any of the following symptoms, get immediate medical attention:

  • sudden, severe difficulty breathing
  • sudden, sharp chest pain when breathing in
  • fainting or feeling lightheaded
  • coughing blood
  • fast heartbeat
  • blue-ish lips or nails

For many years, smoking was only considered a risk factor for chronic conditions that increased the risk of arterial thromboembolism, such as heart disease and stroke.

However, a 2016 study involving 244,865 participants found that cigarette smoking was a risk factor for provoked VTE, which is when there are identifiable risk factors for VTE.

The American Heart Association (AHA) notes that smoking is not considered an individual risk factor that requires preventive measures.

However, smoking requires intervention if you have another identifiable risk factor, such as:

  • previously having a blood clot
  • having surgery
  • having a chronic health condition, such as heart disease, obesity, kidney disease, and high blood pressure
  • living a sedentary lifestyle
  • being pregnant
  • experiencing bone fractures
  • being over age 40

Smoking may also increase your risk of cancer, which is strongly associated with pulmonary embolism and VTE.

For instance, a 2021 study of 144,952 people found that people with cancer who smoked were 50% more likely to develop VTE than people who did not smoke.

Smoking increases inflammation in the body and increases the thickness of your blood, making it more likely to clot.

According to the American Lung Association, smoking can also damage and narrow the lining of your blood vessels, which increases the risk of blood clots forming.

There’s no specific treatment for a pulmonary embolism caused by smoking. A doctor will most likely prescribe blood thinners or anticoagulants. In severe cases, you may require a surgery called embolectomy.

Quitting smoking could greatly reduce your risk of VTE, especially if you’re living with other health conditions. Consider speaking with a doctor about how to quit smoking.