Tachycardia Differential Diagnosis
The differential diagnosis for tachycardia can be organized into the following categories:
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Sinus Tachycardia: This is the most common cause of tachycardia, often due to physiological responses such as anxiety, stress, exercise, or dehydration. It is characterized by a rapid heart rate with a regular rhythm originating from the sinoatrial node.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Atrial Fibrillation: A common arrhythmia characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate, resulting from chaotic electrical activity in the atria.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): A condition where the heart beats too quickly due to abnormal electrical impulses in the atria or between the atria and ventricles.
- Ventricular Tachycardia: A potentially life-threatening arrhythmia where the heart beats too quickly due to abnormal electrical impulses in the ventricles.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cardiac Tamponade: A life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the sac surrounding the heart, compressing it and impeding its ability to fill with blood. Tachycardia can be a presenting symptom.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blockage of an artery in the lungs that can cause tachycardia among other symptoms, and is critical to diagnose promptly due to its high mortality rate.
- Hypovolemic Shock: A condition of inadequate blood circulation, often due to severe blood or fluid loss, which can present with tachycardia as the body attempts to compensate for the reduced volume.
Rare Diagnoses
- Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome: A rare condition where an abnormal electrical pathway between the atria and ventricles causes the heart to beat too quickly.
- Thyrotoxic Crisis: A life-threatening condition due to excessive thyroid hormones, which can cause tachycardia among other severe symptoms.
- Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause episodes of tachycardia, hypertension, and other symptoms due to excessive catecholamine release.