Differential Diagnosis for Afib with RVR
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Ventricular Response (Afib with RVR) due to uncontrolled atrial fibrillation: This is the most straightforward diagnosis, as the patient's presentation directly matches the condition. Afib with RVR occurs when the heart's upper chambers beat too quickly, causing the lower chambers to beat too quickly as well, leading to symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can cause Afib with RVR, among other symptoms. The increased metabolic rate can lead to increased heart rate and arrhythmias.
- Cardiomyopathy: Conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can increase the risk of developing Afib with RVR due to structural heart changes.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation: COPD exacerbations can lead to hypoxia, which may trigger Afib with RVR in susceptible individuals.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Although less common, a PE can cause Afib with RVR, especially if the embolism is large and causes significant hemodynamic instability. Missing this diagnosis can be fatal.
- Myocardial Infarction (MI): An MI can trigger Afib with RVR, and it is crucial to rule out MI in patients presenting with new-onset Afib, especially if they have risk factors for coronary artery disease.
- Cardiac Tamponade: Although rare, cardiac tamponade can cause Afib with RVR due to the increased pressure around the heart, which can impair cardiac filling and output.
- Rare diagnoses
- ** Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome**: A rare condition characterized by an accessory electrical pathway in the heart, which can cause Afib with RVR.
- Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC): A rare genetic disorder that affects the heart muscle, leading to arrhythmias, including Afib with RVR.
- Sarcoidosis: A rare inflammatory disease that can affect the heart, leading to arrhythmias, including Afib with RVR.