Other conditions with symptoms similar to pulmonary embolism

Many other conditions may cause symptoms similar to pulmonary embolism.

Heart conditions often confused with pulmonary embolism

• Heart attack
• Heart failure or pulmonary edema
• Irregular heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia)
• Pericarditis or pericardial effusion

Lung conditions often confused with pulmonary embolism

• Pneumonia
• Lung cancer
• Pleurisy or pleural effusions
• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• A collapsed lung (pneumothorax)

Other conditions often confused with pulmonary embolism

• Dissecting aortic aneurysm
• Hyperventilation
• Panic attacks

Pulmonary embolism may also be considered whenever shortness of breath (dyspnea) or fainting (syncope) occurs without an obvious cause.¹

Citations

1. American Thoracic Society (1999). The diagnostic approach to acute venous thromboembolism: Clinical practice guideline. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 160(3): 1043-1066. Also available online: http://www.thoracic.org/adobe/statements/venous1-24.pdf.