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Multiple Choice

An attack of pulmonary embolism can mimic a myocardial infarction attack.

Mimicry of acute coronary syndromes by pulmonary embolism is a real phenomenon. When a PE occurs, the sudden blockage of pulmonary arteries suddenly increases the workload on the right ventricle and can cause abrupt chest pain and shortness of breath—symptoms that overlap with a myocardial infarction. The stress on the heart from the embolism can also produce ECG changes and elevate troponin, not because the coronary arteries are blocked, but because the heart is strained or there is secondary ischemia. Because of this overlap, a PE can present in a way that resembles an MI, especially in the chaotic setting of chest pain where distinguishing the two quickly is crucial. Therefore, the statement is true: an attack of pulmonary embolism can mimic a myocardial infarction attack.

Mimicry of acute coronary syndromes by pulmonary embolism is a real phenomenon. When a PE occurs, the sudden blockage of pulmonary arteries suddenly increases the workload on the right ventricle and can cause abrupt chest pain and shortness of breath—symptoms that overlap with a myocardial infarction. The stress on the heart from the embolism can also produce ECG changes and elevate troponin, not because the coronary arteries are blocked, but because the heart is strained or there is secondary ischemia. Because of this overlap, a PE can present in a way that resembles an MI, especially in the chaotic setting of chest pain where distinguishing the two quickly is crucial. Therefore, the statement is true: an attack of pulmonary embolism can mimic a myocardial infarction attack.