Differential Diagnosis for "Now has a fib"
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): This is the most likely diagnosis given the presentation of "now has a fib," which is a common abbreviation for atrial fibrillation. AFib is a type of irregular, rapid heart rhythm that can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Other types of arrhythmias (e.g., atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia): These conditions can present similarly to AFib and may be considered in the differential diagnosis based on symptoms and electrocardiogram (ECG) findings.
- Cardiac conditions leading to arrhythmias (e.g., coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy): Underlying heart diseases can predispose to the development of arrhythmias, including AFib.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Pulmonary embolism: Although less likely, pulmonary embolism can cause arrhythmias, including AFib, and is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment.
- Cardiac tamponade: This is a life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the sac around the heart, leading to impaired heart function. It can cause arrhythmias and requires urgent diagnosis and treatment.
- Myocardial infarction (MI): An MI can lead to arrhythmias, including AFib, and is a medical emergency.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome: A rare condition characterized by an accessory electrical pathway in the heart, leading to arrhythmias.
- Hyperthyroidism: Although not directly a cardiac condition, hyperthyroidism can cause arrhythmias, including AFib, due to the excess of thyroid hormones affecting the heart.
- Cardiac sarcoidosis: A rare condition where granulomas form in the heart, potentially leading to arrhythmias, including AFib.