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Last updated: September 23, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for a Pregnant Patient with Shortness of Breath, Racing Heart, and Feeling Faint

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Anemia: This is a common condition in pregnancy due to increased blood volume and demand for iron. It can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations (racing heart), and lightheadedness or feeling faint due to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues and organs.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Pregnancy-induced Hypertension: This condition can lead to cardiovascular strain, resulting in symptoms like shortness of breath and palpitations. It's a significant concern in pregnancy due to its potential to cause severe complications.
  • Gestational Cardiomyopathy: A rare but serious condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened, leading to heart failure symptoms such as shortness of breath and palpitations.
  • Asthma or Other Respiratory Conditions: Pre-existing respiratory conditions can worsen during pregnancy, leading to symptoms of shortness of breath and potentially palpitations due to hypoxia.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Although less common, PE is a critical and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. Pregnancy increases the risk of PE due to increased blood clotting propensity.
  • Cardiac Arrhythmias: Certain arrhythmias can be life-threatening and require prompt diagnosis and treatment. Pregnancy can sometimes unmask underlying cardiac conditions.
  • Placenta Previa or Abruption: These conditions can lead to significant maternal and fetal distress, including symptoms like feeling faint due to blood loss.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: A rare condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened in the last month of pregnancy or within 5 months after delivery, leading to heart failure symptoms.
  • Mitral Stenosis: A condition where the mitral valve narrows, potentially leading to shortness of breath and palpitations, especially during pregnancy when blood volume increases.
  • Thyroid Storm: A life-threatening complication of untreated or undertreated hyperthyroidism, which can present with symptoms including palpitations, shortness of breath, and potentially feeling faint.

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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