Differential Diagnosis for Heart Palpitations
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Anxiety or panic disorder: This is often the most common cause of heart palpitations, especially if they are intermittent and accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, tremors, or fear of losing control.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can cause heart palpitations, among other symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin.
- Caffeine or nicotine overdose: Consuming too much caffeine or nicotine can lead to heart palpitations, jitteriness, and anxiety.
- Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance: Severe dehydration or an imbalance of essential electrolytes like potassium, sodium, or magnesium can cause heart palpitations.
- Mitral valve prolapse: A condition where the mitral valve doesn't close properly, leading to heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack): Although less common, heart palpitations can be a symptom of a heart attack, especially if accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or arm pain.
- Cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia): Abnormal heart rhythms can cause heart palpitations and may lead to more severe complications if left untreated.
- Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can cause heart palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath, and is a medical emergency.
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can cause heart palpitations, weight loss, and exophthalmos, and requires prompt treatment to prevent complications.
- Rare diagnoses
- Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause heart palpitations, hypertension, and sweating.
- Cardiac sarcoidosis: A condition where granulomas form in the heart, leading to heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort.
- Hypokalemia or hyperkalemia: Severe potassium imbalances can cause heart palpitations, muscle weakness, and arrhythmias.