Dyspnea is an important symptom in cardiovascular disorders and frequently occurs in cardiac failure and pulmonary embolism. The diagnostic procedure in systolic and diastolic heart failure is discussed. Special attention is focussed on estimation of brain natriuretic peptides. Serum levels of these peptides may help in diagnosis of causes of dyspnea. In this paper also symptoms of pulmonary embolism with topical diagnosis and treatment are discussed.