Differential Diagnosis for 31 Week Heart Palpitations
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Anxiety or Stress-Related Palpitations: At 31 weeks of pregnancy, women often experience anxiety or stress due to the impending birth, body changes, or concerns about the baby. These emotional states can lead to palpitations.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Dehydration: Mild dehydration is common in pregnancy and can cause palpitations due to decreased blood volume and electrolyte imbalances.
- Anemia: Pregnancy-related anemia can lead to palpitations as the heart works harder to compensate for the lack of red blood cells.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Although not exclusive to pregnancy, SVT can occur and cause palpitations. Pregnancy can sometimes unmask or exacerbate underlying heart conditions.
- Mitral Valve Prolapse: A condition where the mitral valve does not close properly, which can cause palpitations. It may become more noticeable during pregnancy due to changes in blood volume.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Although less common, PE is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. Pregnancy increases the risk of blood clots, and palpitations can be a symptom of PE.
- Preeclampsia: A condition characterized by high blood pressure and often protein in the urine, occurring after the 20th week of pregnancy. It can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly and may cause palpitations.
- Cardiomyopathy: Including peripartum cardiomyopathy, which is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened and cannot function properly.
Rare Diagnoses
- Thyroid Storm: A life-threatening condition that occurs in individuals with untreated or undertreated hyperthyroidism. Pregnancy can exacerbate thyroid conditions, leading to palpitations among other symptoms.
- Arrhythmias Due to Electrolyte Imbalances: Such as those caused by severe hyperkalemia or hypokalemia, which can occur due to various reasons including pregnancy-related conditions affecting kidney function or severe vomiting.
- Congenital Heart Conditions Unmasked by Pregnancy: Pregnancy can sometimes reveal underlying, previously undiagnosed heart conditions due to the increased demand on the heart.