Another risk factor for PTE is any condition that renders one inactive for long periods or being immobile for more than three days as "risk of getting a PTE increases by 50 per cent especially if you have had surgery and are not on medication to prevent clots," adds Dr Peter.
He says viral infections like Covid-19 are other factors which predispose people to blood clots.
Dr Peter also said cancers can also be a risk factor if the tumours cause clots, long haul travels like flights or drives and pregnancies increase the chances of blood clots.
"Combined oral contraceptive pill (COCs) specifically oestrogen-containing pills can cause clots in the brain, chest, legs and liver hepatomas depending on how long a woman is taking the pills," he cautioned.
He added that survival depends on the extent of the PTE for instance massive PTE has a 98 per cent mortality rate, compared to sub-massive and regular PTE.
"If you have massive PTE it means over 50 percent of your lungs have clots, putting pressure on the heart, which leads may lead to right heart failure," Dr Peter says.
He recommends avoiding long periods of immobility, avoid oestrogen-containing pills in favour of progesterone and "pregnant women should also try to move around and regular check-ups."