Differential Diagnosis
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Viral infection: The patient's symptoms of a minor flu-like illness, followed by an improvement in symptoms after a few days, are consistent with a self-limiting viral infection. The fluctuations in heart rate may be attributed to the body's response to the infection.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Dehydration: Although the patient consumed 1 liter of horsetail tea, dehydration could still be a contributing factor, especially if the patient was not drinking enough fluids prior to consuming the tea. Dehydration can cause fluctuations in heart rate.
- Anxiety or stress: The patient's heart rate increased from 100 to 115, which could be attributed to anxiety or stress. The sudden drop in heart rate during sleep may indicate a decrease in stress or anxiety levels.
- Horsetail tea effects: Horsetail tea is a diuretic and may cause dehydration, leading to fluctuations in heart rate. However, the exact effects of horsetail tea on heart rate are not well-studied.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Cardiac arrhythmia: Although the patient's heart rate fluctuations may seem minor, it is essential to rule out any underlying cardiac arrhythmias, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Myocarditis: Viral infections can cause myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, which can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and even heart failure.
- Sepsis: Although the patient's symptoms improved, it is crucial to consider sepsis, a life-threatening condition that can occur if the body's response to an infection becomes uncontrolled.
- Rare diagnoses
- Thyroid storm: A rare but life-threatening condition that can cause fluctuations in heart rate, although it is typically associated with more severe symptoms.
- Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor that can cause episodes of high blood pressure and heart rate, although it is typically associated with more severe symptoms.
- Autonomic dysfunction: A rare condition that can affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to abnormal heart rate regulation.