Differential Diagnosis for Angina with Shortness of Breath
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): This is the most likely diagnosis as angina is a classic symptom of myocardial ischemia, and shortness of breath can occur due to decreased cardiac output or pulmonary congestion.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Exacerbation: Patients with COPD can experience angina-like chest pain and shortness of breath, especially during exacerbations.
- Pulmonary Embolism: While the primary symptom is shortness of breath, some patients can experience chest pain that mimics angina.
- Heart Failure: Patients with heart failure can experience angina due to decreased cardiac output and shortness of breath due to pulmonary congestion.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Aortic Dissection: A life-threatening condition that can cause severe chest pain and shortness of breath, often described as tearing or ripping.
- Pulmonary Hypertension: Can cause angina-like chest pain and shortness of breath due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries.
- Cardiac Tamponade: A condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, leading to decreased cardiac output, which can cause angina and shortness of breath.
Rare Diagnoses
- Mitral Valve Prolapse: A condition where the mitral valve does not close properly, which can cause chest pain and shortness of breath in some cases.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A rare heart condition that can cause angina and shortness of breath due to abnormal heart muscle thickening.
- Coronary Artery Vasospasm: A rare condition where the coronary arteries spasm, causing angina and potentially shortness of breath.