Differential Diagnosis for a Heart Rate of 135
The patient presents with a heart rate of 135 without a clear cause. The following differential diagnoses are organized into categories to guide the diagnostic approach.
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Anxiety or Stress: A common cause of tachycardia, anxiety or stress can lead to an increased heart rate due to the body's "fight or flight" response.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Dehydration: Severe dehydration can cause tachycardia as the body tries to maintain blood pressure and perfusion of vital organs.
- Fever: An elevated body temperature can increase the heart rate as the body tries to fight off an infection.
- Anemia: A decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin can lead to an increased heart rate as the body tries to compensate for the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.
- Thyroid Disorders: Hyperthyroidism can cause an increased heart rate due to the excess thyroid hormones.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cardiac Tamponade: A life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, compressing the heart and impeding its function.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blockage of an artery in the lungs can cause tachycardia, and it is essential to rule out this condition due to its high mortality rate.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias: Conditions like atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia can cause a rapid heart rate and may require urgent treatment.
- Sepsis: A systemic infection can cause tachycardia, and early recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent severe consequences.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause episodic tachycardia and hypertension.
- Carcinoid Syndrome: A rare condition caused by a neuroendocrine tumor that can produce serotonin, leading to tachycardia and other symptoms.
- Autonomic Dysfunction: Rare conditions like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) can cause a rapid heart rate, especially when standing up.