A 56-year-old man exhibits signs of shortness of breath and chest pain. What condition is likely indicated by these symptoms?

The symptoms of shortness of breath and chest pain can indicate a variety of medical conditions, but in this scenario, the combination is particularly indicative of pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, blocking a blood vessel. This blockage can result in sudden shortness of breath and chest pain, often described as sharp and worsening with deep breaths or coughing. Additionally, other accompanying symptoms may include rapid heart rate and coughing up blood.

The other options may also present with similar symptoms but are generally associated with different clinical presentations or additional symptoms that would help differentiate them from pulmonary embolism. Pneumonia, for instance, typically includes fever, productive cough, and localized chest discomfort; anxiety attack might cause chest tightness, but it often does not present with significant shortness of breath unless there is a panic component; a heart attack usually presents with more characteristic symptoms such as pressure or squeezing in the chest, which may radiate to other areas like the arms or jaw.

In summary, pulmonary embolism is the best fit for the provided symptoms of shortness of breath and chest pain, marking it as a critical and immediate medical concern.