Long‐term effects of acute pulmonary embolism on echocardiographic doppler indices and functional capacity

Abstract

Pharmacologic treatment of acute pulmonary embolism does not prevent mild persistent changes in morphology and function of the cardiovascular system. Despite normalization of pulmonary artery systolic pressure and similar exercise capacity, survivors of APE present signs suggesting RV dysfunction and/or its disturbed coupling to the pulmonary arterial bed, as well as ventilation to perfusion mismatch at exertion persisting long after the acute embolic episode.