Differential Diagnosis for Recurrent Syncope in a Young Adult
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Vasovagal Syncope: This is the most common cause of syncope in young adults, often triggered by stress, pain, or prolonged standing, leading to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Orthostatic Hypotension: A drop in blood pressure upon standing, which can be due to dehydration, medication, or autonomic dysfunction.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias: Conditions like supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or ventricular tachycardia can lead to syncope due to inadequate cardiac output.
- Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance: Severe dehydration or electrolyte disturbances, such as hyponatremia or hypokalemia, can cause syncope.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, which can lead to obstructive symptoms and sudden cardiac death.
- Long QT Syndrome: A disorder of the heart's electrical activity that can cause sudden, uncontrollable, dangerous arrhythmias.
- Aortic Stenosis: A narrowing of the aortic valve opening, which can lead to syncope, heart failure, and even death if not addressed.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blockage of an artery in the lungs, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Brugada Syndrome: A genetic disorder characterized by abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) findings and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death.
- Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT): A rare genetic disorder that affects the heart's electrical activity and can lead to syncope and sudden death.
- Mitral Valve Prolapse: A condition where the mitral valve does not close properly, which can lead to syncope in rare cases.
- Subclavian Steal Syndrome: A rare condition where the subclavian artery is narrowed or blocked, leading to syncope and other neurological symptoms.