What is the most common symptom in pulmonary embolism?

Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is indeed the most common symptom experienced by patients with pulmonary embolism. This condition often leads to an obstruction in the pulmonary arteries, which significantly hampers the ability of the lungs to oxygenate blood. When a pulmonary embolism occurs, it can lead to decreased blood flow to a portion of the lung, resulting in impaired gas exchange. This is perceived as dyspnea by the individual.

Patients may present with sudden onset dyspnea, which can vary in intensity. It is crucial to note that while chest pain, cough, and tachypnea are also commonly associated with pulmonary embolism, they are not as prevalent as dyspnea. Chest pain can occur due to the strain on the chest wall or pleura, cough may be a result of irritation or underlying lung disease, and tachypnea is a compensatory mechanism in response to decreased oxygenation. Nevertheless, dyspnea remains the primary and most frequent symptom reported by patients, reflecting their difficulty in breathing due to the obstruction in pulmonary circulation. Hence, identifying dyspnea as the most common symptom is essential for recognizing and diagnosing pulmonary embolism effectively.