A 30 year old female, one week postpartum, presents with elevated heart rate and difficulty breathing. What is the likely issue?

The situation described is indicative of a pulmonary embolism, particularly in a postpartum patient. After delivery, women are at an increased risk for thromboembolic events due to factors such as venous stasis, hypercoagulability, and endothelial injury associated with pregnancy. Elevated heart rate and difficulty breathing are classic symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, as the blockage of pulmonary arteries can lead to acute respiratory distress and increased cardiac workload.

In this context, the combination of a recent delivery and the presentation of symptoms suggests that a clot, typically originating from the deep veins of the legs, has traveled to the pulmonary arteries, leading to compromised oxygenation and increased heart rate as the body attempts to compensate for reduced perfusion. This risk is heightened in the postpartum period, making it a more likely diagnosis than options like an anxiety attack, cardiac dysrhythmia, or infection. Each of those conditions may present with similar symptoms but would not typically have the same acute onset following childbirth.