Top Non-Cardiac Causes of Chest Pain

Pulmonary embolism is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by a blockage in one or more of the arteries in the lungs. Most often, the blockage develops because of a blood clot in one of the deep veins in the thighs. This is called deep vein thrombosis or DVT. The most common warning signs of a pulmonary embolism include sudden onset shortness of breath that occurs at rest or with activity, sharp, stabbing chest pain that may become worse with deep breathing, coughing, eating, bending or stopping, and a cough that may produce bloody or blood-streaked sputum. The pain associated with a pulmonary embolism increases with exertion and is not relieved with rest. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.