Differential Diagnosis for Heart Palpitations and Chronic Lightheadedness
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Anxiety Disorder: Anxiety can cause heart palpitations due to the body's stress response, which increases heart rate. Lightheadedness can also occur due to hyperventilation, a common symptom of anxiety attacks. This condition is common and can easily explain both symptoms.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Dehydration: Dehydration can lead to a decrease in blood volume, causing a reduction in blood pressure and leading to lightheadedness. It can also cause an increase in heart rate as the body tries to maintain blood pressure, resulting in palpitations.
- Anemia: A decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin can lead to a decrease in oxygen delivery to tissues, causing symptoms like lightheadedness. The body may compensate by increasing heart rate, leading to palpitations.
- Hypothyroidism: Although less common, hypothyroidism can cause palpitations and lightheadedness due to its effects on the cardiovascular system and overall metabolism.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation): These conditions can cause palpitations and, if severe, can lead to decreased cardiac output, resulting in lightheadedness. Missing this diagnosis could lead to serious complications, including stroke.
- Orthostatic Hypotension: A significant drop in blood pressure upon standing can cause lightheadedness and may be associated with palpitations as the body tries to compensate for the drop in blood pressure.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although less likely, a pulmonary embolism can cause palpitations and lightheadedness due to the blockage of blood flow in the lungs, leading to decreased oxygenation and cardiac output.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause episodes of palpitations, hypertension, and lightheadedness due to the excessive release of catecholamines.
- Mitral Valve Prolapse: A condition where the mitral valve does not close properly, which can lead to palpitations and, in severe cases, to symptoms like lightheadedness due to decreased cardiac efficiency.
- Neurocardiogenic Syncope: A form of syncope (fainting) that is associated with palpitations and lightheadedness, caused by an abnormal reflex of the heart and nervous system.