What is the survival rate if you have a blood clot in the lung?

The overall survival rate of patients with pulmonary embolism, or a blood clot in the lung, is 85 percent, according to a study published on PubMed.gov. The survival rate varies largely depending on the severity of the embolism and the amount of medical intervention necessary.

Patients who require mechanical ventilation and other drastic interventions have survival rates as low as 22 percent, while patients who require little intervention and are able to undergo diagnostic procedures have survival rates as high as 99 percent, states PubMed.gov. Patients should seek emergency medical attention immediately if they experience shortness of breath, chest pain or bloody cough, according to Mayo Clinic.