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Pulmonary Embolism or Heart Attack? How to Recognize the Symptoms

Posted February 02, 2026

Man with hand on chest - Pulmonary Embolism or Heart Attack

Some medical conditions can feel like they come on suddenly and can also be a frightening experience. Two conditions that fit that description are pulmonary embolism (PE) and heart attack. Understanding these two conditions and their symptoms can help you know when it’s the right time to act fast and seek emergency care. 
 

What is a pulmonary embolism?

In the simplest of terms, a pulmonary embolism is a harmful blockage in an artery of the lungs caused by a blood clot. While a blood clot can form in the lungs, most of the time a blood clot will form in another area of the body such as the legs, for instance, and travel to the lungs causing a pulmonary embolism. A PE can be a scary and life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention.
 

What are the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism? 

Experiencing any of the symptoms below can be a sign of a pulmonary embolism. These symptoms include: 
  • Sudden shortness of breath: the most common symptom of PE and can occur even at rest.
  • Chest pain: the pain is often sharp and worsens with deep breaths, coughing or bending over.
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness: this can be caused by a drop in blood pressure due to blockage and may result in passing out if it happens suddenly. 
 
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a PE, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. If necessary, dial 911 for assistance from local emergency medical personnel. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications, such as lung damage, heart failure and even death.

 

How is a pulmonary embolism treated?

For those patients experiencing PE, treatment can range from being prescribed medication to being admitted for inpatient care. The level of care you receive depends on the severity of PE.  
 
In instances that cannot be treated through medication alone, Summa Health offers/conducts a minimally invasive procedure using a mechanical thrombectomy device (FlowTriever) to remove the blood clot in the artery of the lung causing the PE. 
 

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack (or myocardial infarction (MI)) is when the blood supply to all or a part of the heart is greatly reduced or completely blocked. 
 

What are the symptoms of a heart attack? 

Research has shown that heart attack symptoms can vary in males and females. It is important to recognize any or all of these symptoms to quickly identify a heart attack. Acting fast when suspecting a heart attack can make the difference between life and death. 
 
Heart attack symptoms often experienced by males: 
  • Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that goes away and comes back.
  • Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck and arms
  • Light-headedness
  • Fainting
  • Sweating 
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath
 
Heart attack symptoms often experienced by females:
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Nausea, vomiting or dizziness
  • Back or jaw pain
  • Unexplained anxiety, weakness or fatigue
  • Mild flu-like symptoms
 

What to do if you suspect you’re experiencing a heart attack.  

If you or someone you know has any of the symptoms noted above, call 911 immediately and let emergency medical services take you to the emergency department. Do not attempt to drive yourself or let someone else drive you. 
 
If it is a heart attack, EMS personnel can begin treating you while you are still enroute to the hospital. Within minutes of arrival, Summa doctors will evaluate you for chest pain and provide the right treatment. Summa Health has team members who are here for you 24 hours a day, every day.
 
Prioritizing your health is about more than eating right or taking your vitamins. Sometimes making your health a priority means recognizing when your body is telling you that something is wrong. The signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism and heart attack are signals that should never be ignored. To learn more about Summa Health’s pulmonary services, visit summahealth.org/lung. To learn more about Summa Health’s cardiac services, visit summahealth.org/heart

About the Author

Faisal Qadir, MD

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    One out of six Americans will suffer from a serious pulmonary (lung) disease at some time in their lives. Of those afflicted, however, many patients don’t realize a respiratory therapist can help them overcome breathing problems and breathe easier — all the while increasing their quality of life.

    As vital members of the healthcare team,…

    The Modern Guide to Heart Health [Podcast]

    Dr. Peter Bittenbender shares his insight on the modern guide to heart health.

    5 health numbers you should know by heart

    As we grow older, wrinkles, fine lines and gray hairs aren’t the only aging factors we need to be concerned about. The real health indicators we should be tracking can’t be found in any mirror — and they affect our heart and other vital organs. 

    These are critical heart health numbers that should not be ignored and include blood pressure, resting heart rate, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for…

    5 health numbers you should know by heart

    As we grow older, wrinkles, fine lines and gray hairs aren’t the only aging factors we need to be concerned about. The real health indicators we should be tracking can’t be found in any mirror — and they affect our heart and other vital organs. 

    These are critical heart health numbers that should not be ignored and include blood pressure, resting heart rate, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for…

    7 Health Concerns Women Shouldn't Ignore

    From mother to wife, and from businesswoman to caretaker, women wear many hats on a daily basis. So, it’s understandable why many of us put off our own needs; there’s just not enough time in the day. However, when it comes to your health, it should always come first.

    Maybe you’re too busy to stop and see a doctor, or you’re hoping a symptom will just go away on its own. But, if you’re not feeling your best, you can’t possibly perform at your…

    Minimally Invasive Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia for a Quick Recovery

    Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), otherwise known as prostate gland enlargement, is a common condition as men get older. An enlarged prostate can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms as well as bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.

    In many men, the prostate continues to grow throughout life. This continued growth enlarges the prostate enough to cause BPH, which means they have urinary issues or their urine flow is significantly blocked.

    The symptoms of BPH often vary,…

    Alzheimer's Research Showing Promise for Future

    Billions of dollars have been spent on researching Alzheimer’s, but it stubbornly continues to affect 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 65. While we are still waiting for a cure, there have been significant advances that have made an impact on the treatment of Alzheimer's and related diseases:

    New treatments and positive trials on the horizon
    Currently, the medications on the market for Alzheimer’s only relieve symptoms of the disease. None stop the progression.…

    Alzheimer's Research Showing Promise for Future

    Billions of dollars have been spent on researching Alzheimer’s, but it stubbornly continues to affect 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 65. While we are still waiting for a cure, there have been significant advances that have made an impact on the treatment of Alzheimer's and related diseases:

    New treatments and positive trials on the horizon
    Currently, the medications on the market for Alzheimer’s only relieve symptoms of the disease. None stop the progression.…

    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - What Is It And How Will It Affect My Body?

    Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common health problem that affects women of childbearing age and is caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. Because of this imbalance, the ovaries sometimes develop numerous small collections of fluid and can fail to regularly release eggs.

    Who is at Risk for PCOS?

    It is estimated that between 5% and 10% of women between 15 and 44…

    What Causes High Blood Pressure?

    Almost half of all adults in the United States have high blood pressure, but many are not aware of it. High blood pressure is dangerous and can be a silent killer if gone untreated. That’s why it’s so important to understand what causes it and how to keep it controlled.

    First – what is high blood pressure?

    In order to survive, your tissues and organs need oxygenated blood to circulate throughout the body. When your heart beats, it creates pressure that pushes…

    What Happens During A Vascular Screening?

    Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the US. Over 600,000 people - roughly 1 in 4 individuals - die each year. Heart disease can place you at a much higher risk for stroke and other vascular diseases.

    Carotid arteries are blood vessels in the neck that supply blood flow to the head and brain. If vascular disease develops in carotid arteries, that can lead to a higher risk of stroke. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) are dilations or swellings of the main blood vessel in the abdomen. As AAAs enlarge, the wall becomes thinner and is at risk for bursting which can be a life threatening emergency. 

    Are you high-risk? Lung health and lower respiratory disease

    Chronic lower respiratory disease is the third leading cause of death, behind cancer and heart disease in Ohio. Chronic lower respiratory disease is a broad term that includes a variety of diseases that affect the lungs, like: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema (a type of COPD), chronic bronchitis and non-reversible asthma.

    Roughly one in six Americans will suffer from some pulmonary disease in their lifetime. Most of those affected usually associate…

    Lowering Your Blood Pressure, Naturally

    Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)

    So you just found out that you have high blood pressure (HBP). Well, you’re not alone. Almost half of adults in the U.S. have it – and most don’t even know it.

    Fortunately, hypertension – the medical term for HBP – can typically be controlled with the right medication and lifestyle changes. In fact, lifestyle modificationslike healthier eating and regular exercise may be able to do more than just…

    Should you get a wearable sleep tracker?

    Deep, consistent, quality sleep can not only make you feel great during the day; it can also improve your health. Sleep can boost your mood, help you maintain a healthy body weight and help your heart and mind function at tip-top levels.

    But, for some of us, a solid night's sleep may seem like a dream. Lack of sleep can affect our brain's ability to react properly; so much so, that our body’s overall health can be at risk.

    Should you get a wearable sleep tracker?

    Deep, consistent, quality sleep can not only make you feel great during the day; it can also improve your health. Sleep can boost your mood, help you maintain a healthy body weight and help your heart and mind function at tip-top levels.

    But, for some of us, a solid night's sleep may seem like a dream. Lack of sleep can affect our brain's ability to react properly; so much so, that our body’s overall health can be at risk.

    Thinking about a vasectomy? 5 things to know

    Perhaps you and your partner are thinking of a more permanent solution to birth control. If you’ve had the conversation of vasectomy versus tubal ligation - “getting your tubes tied” - you might be interested to learn that a vasectomy is a much easier procedure, is more effective at preventing pregnancy and has a much lower risk of side effects or complications. It’s also much cheaper; tubal ligation requires general anesthesia and surgery; a vasectomy only requires local anesthesia and an oral sedative.

    What is a Lung Nodule?

    Lung nodules are abnormal clusters of tissue that appear as “spots” on chest X-rays and CT scans. All lung cancers starts as a nodule; however, these spots are very common and almost 95 percent of them are not cancerous.

    Lung cancer is a very tragic disease. It has the lowest 5-year survival rate of all cancers and leads to more deaths that the next 3 deadliest cancers (colorectal, pancreatic and breast) combined.
    Most lung cancers are not diagnosed and treated at an early stage, contributing to the low survival rate. However, early detection, by low-dose CT screening, can increase that rate by up to 20 percent in high-risk patients.

    Going Natural: Anti-Aging Tips for Over 40

    It is never too late to adjust your skincare routine. Think of it like a new exercise routine: with a little dedication, determination and education you can undo or halt bad habits.

    Around the age of 30, the body’s collagen production slows down. Collagen plays a big part in the elasticity our skin has. When that production slows down, we tend to see our skin change with the addition of dark spots, larger pores, fine lines and wrinkles.

    The Gift of Heart Health

    When you think of February, you may think of Valentine's Day, chocolate and flowers. February also marks American Heart Month, a great time to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make small changes that can lead to a lifetime of heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. But the good news is it's also one of the most preventable.

    Making heart-healthy choices, knowing your family health history and the risk factors for heart…

    The Gift of Heart Health

    When you think of February, you may think of Valentine's Day, chocolate and flowers. February also marks American Heart Month, a great time to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make small changes that can lead to a lifetime of heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. But the good news is it's also one of the most preventable.

    Making heart-healthy choices, knowing your family health history and the risk factors for heart…

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