Which electrocardiogram finding is most commonly associated with pulmonary embolism?

Sinus tachycardia is a common electrocardiogram finding associated with pulmonary embolism. This finding occurs due to the body's physiological response to a decrease in oxygenation and an increase in demand for oxygen, which can result from reduced blood flow to the lungs and decreased gas exchange. In pulmonary embolism, the obstruction of pulmonary arteries can lead to increased heart rate as the heart works harder to pump blood and maintain perfusion to vital organs.

Sinus tachycardia can manifest as a consistent and regular rhythm at a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute. It is often one of the first signs detected on an ECG when evaluating a patient suspected of having a pulmonary embolism.

Other electrocardiogram findings may also occur with pulmonary embolism, but sinus tachycardia stands out as the most frequent. It is important to recognize that while other arrhythmias might be seen in different clinical contexts or as secondary complications, they are not the hallmark finding of pulmonary embolism.