Pulmonary Embolism vs Atrial Fibrillation
Pulmonary Embolism and Atrial Fibrillation are conditions that share some reported symptoms, which can make them easy to confuse. This guide explains the key similarities, how each is described, and how providers may investigate them. Educational content only - not a diagnosis.
About Pulmonary Embolism and Atrial Fibrillation
Pulmonary Embolism: A blockage in a lung artery, usually from a blood clot that travels from the legs, causing sudden chest pain and shortness of breath.
Atrial Fibrillation: An irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart complications.
Symptoms shared by both conditions
These symptoms have been reported in association with both Pulmonary Embolism and Atrial Fibrillation.
Chest pain
An unpleasant sensation characterized by physical discomfort (such as pricking, throbbing, or aching) localize...
Dizziness
A feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or faintness, which can be caused by many conditions....
Reduced consciousness
Abnormally diminished level of attention, responsiveness, or wakefulness....
Symptoms of each condition
Pulmonary Embolism
Chest pain
An unpleasant sensation characterized by physical discomfort (such as pricking, throbbing, or aching) localize...
Dizziness
A feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or faintness, which can be caused by many conditions....
Hemoptysis
Coughing up (expectoration) of blood or blood-streaked sputum from the larynx, trachea, bronchi, or lungs....
Rapid Heart Rate
A resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute, which can be caused by fever, anxiety, dehydration, thyroid c...
Reduced consciousness
Abnormally diminished level of attention, responsiveness, or wakefulness....
Sudden Shortness of Breath
Breathlessness that comes on suddenly, which can be a sign of a blood clot in the lungs or other emergencies....
Atrial Fibrillation
Chest pain
An unpleasant sensation characterized by physical discomfort (such as pricking, throbbing, or aching) localize...
Dizziness
A feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or faintness, which can be caused by many conditions....
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing. Dyspnea is a subjective feeling only the patient can rate, e.g., on a Borg sca...
Fatigue
A subjective feeling of tiredness characterized by a lack of energy and motivation....
Palpitations
A sensation that the heart is pounding or racing, which is a non-specific sign but may be a manifestation of a...
Reduced consciousness
Abnormally diminished level of attention, responsiveness, or wakefulness....
How Pulmonary Embolism may be investigated
Healthcare providers may order these tests when evaluating Pulmonary Embolism.
BNP / NT-proBNP
Measures B-type natriuretic peptide to help evaluate heart failure....
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
D-Dimer
Helps rule out blood clotting conditions such as DVT or pulmonary embolism....
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Pulmonary Embolism and Atrial Fibrillation?
Pulmonary Embolism and Atrial Fibrillation are distinct conditions that share some reported symptoms, which is why they can be confused. Pulmonary Embolism: A blockage in a lung artery, usually from a blood clot that travels from the legs, causing sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. Atrial Fibrillation: An irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart complications. This content is informational, not a diagnosis.
Can Pulmonary Embolism and Atrial Fibrillation be mistaken for each other?
Yes - because they share symptoms such as Chest pain, Dizziness, Reduced consciousness, they may present similarly. A qualified healthcare provider distinguishes them through history, examination, and testing.
How are Pulmonary Embolism and Atrial Fibrillation investigated?
Testing depends on the specific condition and presentation. A provider may order tests such as BNP / NT-proBNP, CBC with Differential, D-Dimer. Test selection is a clinical decision.