Racing heart and shortness of breath - PE or anxiety?

Racing heart and shortness of breath can be symptoms of both pulmonary embolism (PE) and anxiety, making them challenging to differentiate based solely on these signs. In the case of a PE, these symptoms often arise suddenly and may be accompanied by chest pain, which can be sharp and worsen with deep breaths. Clinicians typically look for additional signs such as coughing up blood, leg swelling, or a history of recent surgery or immobility, which are potential risk factors for PE.

Anxiety, on the other hand, might also cause a racing heart and shortness of breath, but it's often linked to situational stressors or panic attacks. The symptoms might improve with relaxation techniques or occur in relation to specific triggers.

Standard evaluation for PE often involves imaging studies like a CT pulmonary angiogram, especially if risk factors or clinical suspicion is high. Healthcare providers also assess the likelihood of anxiety by considering the patient's medical history and recent life events. Anyone with concerns about racing heart or shortness of breath should discuss their specific situation with their healthcare provider.