Differential Diagnosis for Pounding Heart Rate
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Anxiety or panic attack: This is often the most common cause of a pounding heart rate, as anxiety can stimulate the body's "fight or flight" response, leading to increased heart rate and palpitations.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance: Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, particularly potassium and magnesium, can disrupt normal heart function, leading to palpitations and a pounding heart rate.
- Caffeine or nicotine overdose: Consuming too much caffeine or nicotine can stimulate the heart, causing it to beat faster and leading to palpitations.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can produce excess thyroid hormones, which can increase heart rate and lead to palpitations.
- Anemia: A decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin can lead to a decrease in oxygen delivery to the body, causing the heart to beat faster to compensate.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack): Although less common, a pounding heart rate can be a symptom of a heart attack, especially if accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms.
- Cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia): Abnormal heart rhythms can cause palpitations and a pounding heart rate, and some arrhythmias can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can cause a sudden increase in heart rate, as well as shortness of breath and chest pain.
- Cardiac tamponade: Fluid accumulation in the sac surrounding the heart can compress the heart, leading to a decrease in cardiac output and a pounding heart rate.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can produce excess catecholamines, leading to episodes of palpitations, hypertension, and tachycardia.
- Thyrotoxic crisis: A life-threatening condition caused by excessive thyroid hormone production, which can lead to palpitations, tachycardia, and other symptoms.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A rare genetic disorder that can cause the heart muscle to become thickened, leading to palpitations, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.