Differential Diagnosis for "Heart Shaking"
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Anxiety or Panic Attack: This is often associated with palpitations, which can feel like the heart is shaking. The symptoms can be triggered by stress, fear, or anxiety, leading to a physical sensation of a racing or shaking heart.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Atrial Fibrillation: A common heart rhythm disorder that can cause the heart to beat irregularly, leading to a sensation of shaking or quivering.
- Mitral Valve Prolapse: A condition where the mitral valve does not close properly, causing the heart to beat irregularly and potentially leading to a sensation of the heart shaking.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can cause an increase in heart rate, leading to palpitations and a sensation of the heart shaking.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Although less likely, a heart attack can cause palpitations and a sensation of the heart shaking. It is crucial to rule out this life-threatening condition.
- Cardiac Tamponade: A condition where fluid accumulates in the sac around the heart, leading to a compression of the heart and potentially life-threatening consequences if not treated promptly.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blockage in one of the arteries in the lungs can cause sudden and severe symptoms, including palpitations and a sensation of the heart shaking.
Rare Diagnoses
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A rare heart condition where the heart muscle becomes thickened, leading to irregular heartbeats and potentially a sensation of the heart shaking.
- Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: A rare heart condition where the right ventricle is replaced by fatty tissue, leading to irregular heartbeats and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.
- Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause episodes of palpitations, hypertension, and a sensation of the heart shaking due to excessive catecholamine release.