Differential Diagnosis for Tachycardia
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Sinus Tachycardia: This is the most common cause of tachycardia, often due to physiological responses such as anxiety, stress, fever, or physical exertion. It's characterized by a rapid heart rate that originates from the sinoatrial node.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Includes conditions like atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) and atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT), which are common causes of paroxysmal tachycardia.
- Atrial Fibrillation: A type of irregular, rapid heart rhythm that can lead to tachycardia, often seen in patients with hypertension, heart failure, or valvular heart disease.
- Ventricular Tachycardia: A potentially life-threatening condition where the heart rate is excessively fast due to abnormal electrical impulses in the ventricles.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cardiac Tamponade: Although less common, cardiac tamponade can cause tachycardia due to impaired cardiac filling and must be promptly recognized and treated to prevent fatal outcomes.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Can present with tachycardia among other symptoms like dyspnea and chest pain. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
- Hypovolemic Shock: Tachycardia can be an early sign of hypovolemia, which, if not addressed, can lead to severe shock and death.
- Thyroid Storm: A life-threatening complication of untreated or undertreated hyperthyroidism, presenting with severe tachycardia among other symptoms.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause episodic or sustained tachycardia due to excessive catecholamine release.
- Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT): A rare genetic disorder that can cause tachycardia, especially during physical activity or emotional stress.
- Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC): A rare heart condition where the muscle in the right ventricle is replaced by fat and scar tissue, potentially leading to life-threatening arrhythmias, including tachycardia.