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Last updated: August 25, 2025View editorial policy

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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.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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