Cardiac arrhythmia is a set of abnormal heartbeats, which means that the heartbeats either faster, slower, or more irregular than normal. Arrhythmias make the heart work harder so it can maintain a constant supply of blood to the body. Thus, people who experience arrhythmias might feel light headed, dizzy or even faint. There are some cardiac arrhythmias are harmless, but there are some which can be even life-threatening. What’s more, when the condition is severe, it can trigger a cardiac arrest. To diagnose whether you have cardiac arrhythmia or not, your physician might recommend undergoing a test. Hence, here are all the tests which can diagnose this condition.                                                                                                                                                   

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG is one of the most common tests your physician might need to determine how your heartbeats. The test is usually performed in your doctor’s office. You will have electrodes or patches to different places on your body, including your chest, arms and legs. These electrodes record the activity of your heart and show how your heart beats by drawing a picture pattern. Your doctor will examine this pattern and decide whether you have a heart problem.

Holter Monitor

A Holter monitor is quite similar to ECG, but it monitors the activity of your heart for 24 to 48 hours. It also requires attaching electrodes or patches to areas on your body while the monitor will record the rhythm of your heart. This pattern will also provide an overall picture of your heart’s activity.

Event Monitors and Devices

As cardiac arrhythmias can happen almost every time, ECG might not be able to catch and record irregular heartbeats. Hence, many people will have to have their hearts monitored over a long period. These are the monitors that can be used at home to record your heart:

Event Monitors

If you have less frequent symptoms, you might need to use event monitors which will record your symptoms. Event monitors come in two types:

• Symptom event monitor: Bracelets or handheld devices that feature small metal discs that function as electrodes.
• Looping memory monitors: It’s small like a pager and connects to your body through electrodes that are attached to the monitor at all times.

Both these monitors are portable and they store the information so that your doctor can analyze later.

Implantable Loop Recorders

This device works as an event monitor to record the activity of your heart, but it’s implanted under your skin. It can be either programmed to record an arrhythmia when it happens or you can trigger it to record via a remote.

Other Testing

Besides the tests we already mentioned, your doctor might recommend additional tests which will determine the type or cause of cardiac arrhythmia.

Stress Test

This is an exercise test which shows how your heart works when you’re experiencing stress or exercise. Hence, it determined whether your arrhythmia is related to exertion. The test also requires having electrodes attached to your body while you run on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bicycle. A stress test can also be performed with medications which increase your heart rate rather than having to exercise.

Tilt-table Test

This is the recommended type of test for people who often faint. This test requires you to lie flat on a table. The position of the table changes several times while the doctor records both your heart rate and blood pressure. This test usually takes about an hour during which you might also be given medication through an IV to see how your heart responds.

Electrical Physiological Studies

This is an invasive procedure which is usually used for people who have had heart attacks or who have a fast heart rate. It is very useful for determining the type of arrhythmia a person experiences. The procedure requires threading thin wire electrodes through one of your veins and into your heart to study its rhythm.

Esophageal Electrophysiologic Procedure

This procedure requires placing a soft, thin, plastic tube up your nostril and down into your esophagus. It is more precise than a regular ECG as the esophagus is placed close to your heart’s upper chambers.

Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) and Echocardiograms

These procedures usually involve an instrument called a transducer, on which the doctor puts gel and move it over your chest to image the areas of your heart. With the help of sonar waves, the doctor takes a picture of your heart and determines its size, structure, and function.

Blood Testing

Besides monitoring your heart, your doctor might recommend having blood tests. The blood testing checks your levels of calcium, potassium, and magnesium, as well as, your cholesterol levels and the amount of carbon dioxide in your blood.

Test results

Your doctor will share the test results with you and decide whether you need some additional tests. If not, they will develop a treatment plan and discuss all possible treatment options with you. During this time, you should ask any questions you have.

The sooner you diagnose the cardiac arrhythmia, the better and more effective your treatment will be. Early detection of cardiac arrhythmias is crucial and can help you have a healthy and fulfilling life.