Differential Diagnosis for Atrial Fibrillation (A Fib)
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Atrial Fibrillation: This is the most likely diagnosis given the presentation of A Fib, as it is a common cardiac arrhythmia characterized by rapid and irregular heart rhythms. The diagnosis is often made based on electrocardiogram (ECG) findings and clinical presentation.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia: This condition presents with multiple P-wave morphologies and can mimic A Fib. It is often seen in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other pulmonary conditions.
- Atrial Flutter: Although typically regular, atrial flutter can sometimes present with irregular ventricular response, mimicking A Fib. It is often associated with cardiac conditions such as coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy.
- Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT): While PSVT usually presents with a regular rhythm, it can occasionally be irregular and may be considered in the differential diagnosis of A Fib.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses:
- Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome: This condition is characterized by an accessory electrical pathway in the heart and can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias if not recognized and treated promptly.
- Hyperkalemia: Severe hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, including those that mimic A Fib. It is crucial to identify and treat hyperkalemia promptly to prevent cardiac arrest.
- Thyrotoxicosis: Hyperthyroidism can cause A Fib, and if left untreated, can lead to serious cardiac and systemic complications.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Digitalis Toxicity: Although rare, digitalis toxicity can cause various arrhythmias, including those resembling A Fib. It is essential to consider this diagnosis in patients taking digitalis medications.
- Cardiac Sarcoidosis: This condition involves inflammation of the heart tissue and can lead to arrhythmias, including A Fib. It is a rare but important consideration in the differential diagnosis.
- Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC): This rare genetic disorder affects the right ventricle and can cause life-threatening arrhythmias, including those that mimic A Fib.