Table 1.

PE subtypes, % of patients, clinical definition, and mortality rate

PE subtypes	Massive PE	Submassive PE	Simple PE
% of PE patients	≈ 5%	≈ 40%	≈ 55%
Clinical definition	Sustained hypotension (systolic < 90 mmHg for at least 15 min), need for inotropic support, persistent profound bradycardia (HR < 40 bpm with signs or symptoms of shock)	Systemically normotensive (systolic BP > 90 mmHg), myocardial ischemia (elevated troponins, ECG changes), and/or RV dysfunction (dysmotility on Echo, Increased RV/LV ratio > 0.9, elevated BNP/pro BNP), ECG changes)	Systemically normotensive (systolic BP > 90 mmHg), no RV dysfunction, no myocardial ischemia
Mortality	18–65%	5–25%	Up to 1%