Differential Diagnosis for Tachycardia and Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Myocardial Infarction (MI): This is a leading cause of tachycardia and pain, particularly chest pain, due to the heart muscle's reduced blood supply. The pain is often described as a squeezing or pressure sensation in the chest.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE): A blood clot in the lungs can cause sudden onset of tachycardia and chest pain, often accompanied by shortness of breath.
- Pneumonia: Infection in the lungs can lead to tachycardia and chest pain, especially if the pneumonia is severe or affects the pleura.
- Anxiety or Panic Attack: These conditions can cause tachycardia and chest pain or discomfort, often without a clear physical cause.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Severe heartburn can mimic cardiac chest pain and may be associated with tachycardia.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Aortic Dissection: A tear in the aorta's inner layer can cause severe, tearing chest pain and tachycardia. It is critical to diagnose promptly as it is life-threatening.
- Cardiac Tamponade: Fluid accumulation in the sac around the heart can compress the heart, leading to tachycardia and chest pain, and is a medical emergency.
- Pulmonary Hypertension Crisis: A sudden increase in blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries can cause tachycardia, chest pain, and shortness of breath, requiring immediate medical attention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, which can lead to tachycardia and chest pain, especially during exertion.
- Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, can cause chest pain and tachycardia.
- Esophageal Spasm or Rupture: Although less common, these conditions can cause severe chest pain and may be associated with tachycardia.