The Wells Score for Pulmonary Embolism is a clinical assessment tool used by healthcare providers to estimate the probability that a person may have a pulmonary embolism (PE). A pulmonary embolism is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks one or more blood vessels. This can interfere with the flow of oxygen-rich blood and lead to serious complications if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
The Wells Score was developed to help doctors make faster and more accurate decisions about whether further testing—such as a CT scan, D-dimer test, or other imaging—is needed. It is especially useful in emergency or urgent care situations where symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, or rapid heartbeat may point to a possible PE.
This scoring system includes several risk factors that are commonly associated with PE. Each risk factor is assigned a certain number of points. These include things like a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or previous pulmonary embolism, recent surgery or immobilization, cancer, an elevated heart rate, and the presence of symptoms like leg swelling or tenderness that could indicate DVT. If no other diagnosis seems more likely than PE, that also adds to the score.
After adding up the points, the total score is used to categorize the person’s risk as either low, intermediate, or high. This helps guide the next steps in diagnosis and treatment. For example, a low score may mean that no further testing is needed, while a high score usually calls for urgent imaging and possible treatment.
It’s important to remember that the Wells Score is only one part of the decision-making process. It does not confirm or rule out PE on its own. Instead, it serves as a helpful guide for healthcare professionals to decide how likely a PE is and whether additional tests should be done.
For non-medical users using this calculator online, the tool offers an educational way to understand how doctors assess the risk of pulmonary embolism. However, the results should never replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you or someone else is experiencing symptoms that may indicate a PE, seek medical help immediately.
This calculator helps estimate the likelihood that a person may have a pulmonary embolism (PE) based on the Wells Score—a widely accepted clinical tool used in medical practice. It takes into account important signs, symptoms, and risk factors to provide a quick, easy-to-understand assessment of your risk level.
Using this calculator can be helpful for individuals who are experiencing concerning symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, a fast heart rate, or swelling in the legs. These symptoms could point to a number of conditions, including PE. While only a medical professional can make a final diagnosis, this tool can give you an idea of whether PE is something to be considered.
For healthcare professionals, the calculator offers a fast and reliable way to support clinical decision-making, especially in emergency or urgent care settings. By inputting relevant risk factors, providers can quickly categorize a patient's PE risk as low, intermediate, or high, helping to determine the need for further tests such as a D-dimer blood test or imaging scans.
For general users, it serves as an educational resource to understand how certain symptoms and medical history can influence health outcomes. If your score suggests an increased risk, it's important to contact a healthcare provider promptly.
Using the Wells Score for Pulmonary Embolism Calculator is simple and takes only a minute. It involves selecting checkboxes that apply to your current symptoms or medical history. Each checked item adds a specific number of points to your total score. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
The Wells Score uses specific risk factors to estimate the likelihood of a pulmonary embolism. Each factor contributes a certain number of points to the total score. Here's what each one means in simple terms:
If you’ve had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) in the past, you’re at a higher risk of developing another one. Previous blood clots can indicate a tendency for clotting, which is why this factor adds 1.5 points to your score.
A resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute (bpm) is called tachycardia. It can be a sign that your body is under stress, possibly from a clot in the lungs. This adds 1.5 points to your score.
If you’ve had surgery recently or have been immobile (e.g., on bed rest or with a cast) within the past 4 weeks, your risk of developing blood clots increases. This is because lack of movement can slow down blood flow. This factor also adds 1.5 points.
Physical signs such as swelling, pain, redness, or tenderness in one leg—especially in the calf—can indicate a DVT. Since DVT is a common source of PE, this sign adds 3 points to your score.
If the symptoms you or your doctor are seeing are better explained by PE than by any other condition, this adds 3 points. This reflects clinical judgment and raises the concern for PE significantly.
Coughing up blood can be a symptom of a blood clot in the lungs. Though it’s less common, it’s a serious warning sign. If present, it adds 1 point to your total score.
Cancer—especially if diagnosed or treated in the past 6 months—increases the risk of blood clot formation. This factor adds 1 point to the Wells Score, as cancer-related changes in the blood can make clotting more likely.
Understanding these risk factors helps explain how the calculator works and why each item affects your overall score. If several of these apply to you, it's important to seek medical attention without delay.
Once you’ve used the calculator and received your total score, it's important to understand what that number means. The Wells Score places you into one of three risk categories: low, intermediate, or high probability of having a pulmonary embolism (PE). These categories help guide the next steps in medical care.
If your total score is below 2, your risk of having a pulmonary embolism is considered low. This means that PE is unlikely, especially if you have no other serious symptoms. In many cases, doctors may decide that no further testing is needed, or they may perform a simple blood test (D-dimer) to confirm the low risk.
A score in this range suggests a moderate or intermediate risk of PE. This means that there’s a possibility of a blood clot in the lungs, and further testing is usually recommended. Your doctor may order a D-dimer test, a CT scan, or another type of imaging to check for clots. It’s important not to ignore symptoms if you fall in this range.
A score of 7 or higher indicates a high risk of pulmonary embolism. This result means that PE is very likely, and immediate medical evaluation is necessary. Doctors will usually skip the blood test and go straight to imaging (like a CT pulmonary angiogram) to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible.
After calculating your Wells Score and reviewing the probability level (low, intermediate, or high), it’s important to know how to respond appropriately. While this tool provides a helpful estimate, it does not replace a professional medical evaluation.
A low score (less than 2) suggests that pulmonary embolism is unlikely. If you are not experiencing serious symptoms and have no other risk factors, your condition may not require urgent medical attention. However, if you feel unwell, it's still a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider for reassurance or further advice.
A score between 2 and 6.9 indicates that PE is possible, and further testing may be necessary. You should contact a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and results. They might recommend a D-dimer blood test or imaging studies to confirm or rule out the presence of a blood clot.
A high score (7 or more) means that a pulmonary embolism is likely. This is a serious situation, and you should seek medical attention immediately. Go to the nearest emergency room or call emergency services, especially if you're experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, or coughing up blood.
No matter what your score is, if you’re having troubling symptoms or feel that something isn’t right, don’t ignore it. This calculator is designed to raise awareness and help identify potential risks, but it cannot replace a doctor's judgment or diagnostic tools.
If your score concerns you or if you're unsure about what it means, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment of pulmonary embolism can make a big difference in outcomes.
The Wells Score for Pulmonary Embolism Calculator is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not designed to provide a medical diagnosis or replace professional medical advice, evaluation, or treatment.
This tool offers an estimate of the likelihood of pulmonary embolism based on commonly used clinical criteria. However, it should not be used to make medical decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Even if your score suggests a low risk, you may still require evaluation if you have concerning symptoms.
Always keep in mind that:
The Wells Score is used to estimate the probability that a person may have a pulmonary embolism (PE). It helps healthcare professionals decide whether further tests are needed based on symptoms and risk factors.
No. The Wells Score is not a diagnostic tool. It is a screening aid that provides a general risk estimate. A medical professional must interpret the results and decide on next steps, such as testing or treatment.
If your score is 7 or higher, it suggests a high risk of PE. You should seek medical attention immediately, especially if you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
The Wells Score is widely used and accepted in clinical practice, but it is not perfect. It should always be used alongside clinical judgment and other tests to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Yes. Although a low score makes PE less likely, it is still possible, especially if symptoms are severe or worsening. If you feel unwell, don’t ignore it—talk to a healthcare provider regardless of your score.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that usually forms in the leg. If part of this clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, it becomes a pulmonary embolism (PE). Both conditions are serious and may be related.
This calculator is most useful if you are experiencing symptoms of PE or have risk factors. It’s not meant for general health screening. If you’re concerned about your health, it’s best to speak with a doctor.