TABLE 2

Classification of pulmonary embolism

Massive
Sustained hypotension: systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg for at least 15 minutes OR requiring inotropes (cannot be due to another cause)
Pulseless
Persistent bradycardia (≤ 40 beats per minute with signs or symptoms of shock)
Submassive
Systolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg
Right ventricular dysfunction or myocardial necrosis
Low risk
Normal blood pressure
Normal biomarker levels
No right ventricular dysfunction
  • Adapted from information in reference 3.