Differential Diagnosis
The patient's symptoms of tachycardia on movement, chest heaviness, and feeling of air not getting into the lungs can be attributed to various conditions. Here's a categorized differential diagnosis:
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Anxiety or Panic Disorder: The symptoms of tachycardia, chest heaviness, and shortness of breath are common in anxiety and panic disorders, especially when triggered by movement or physical activity. The psychological component of these conditions can exacerbate physical symptoms.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Asthma: Recurrent episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, particularly when triggered by physical activity, can be indicative of asthma.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness, which may worsen with physical activity.
- Hypertension: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to symptoms like chest heaviness and shortness of breath, especially during physical exertion.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although less common, pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition that can cause sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and tachycardia, especially with movement.
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Chest heaviness and shortness of breath can be symptoms of a heart attack, which requires immediate medical attention.
- Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung can cause sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and tachycardia, which can be exacerbated by movement.
- Rare diagnoses
- Pulmonary Hypertension: A rare condition characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs, which can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and tachycardia.
- Cardiac Tamponade: A rare condition where fluid accumulates in the sac surrounding the heart, leading to symptoms like chest heaviness, shortness of breath, and tachycardia.