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Arrhythmia

Also called: Irregular Rhythm, Irregular Heartbeat, Cardiac Arrhythmia, Rhythm Disorder, Rhythm Disturbance, Irregular Heart Rhythm, Dysrhythmia

- Summary
- About arrhythmias
- Risk factors and causes
- Types and differences
- Signs and symptoms
- Diagnosis methods
- Treatment options
- Prevention methods
- Ongoing research
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Abdou Elhendy, MD, PhD, FACC, FAHA
Robert I. Hamby, M.D., FACC, FACP

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-	Arrhythmia Quiz
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Diagnosis methods for arrhythmias

Diagnosing an arrhythmia is very important because the longer the arrhythmia lasts without detection or treatment, the greater the chances of permanent damage and heart dysfunction. If someone experiences what feels like a flutter, skipped beat or any other unusual beat activity, a medical opinion and diagnosis should be obtained as soon as possible.

There are a number of tests that physicians may use to diagnose an arrhythmia. The type of test(s) used will depend on a number of factors, including the specific symptoms of a patient as well as his or her personal and family medical history. These include:

An electrocardiogram (EKG), often considered the best diagnostic tool when an arrhythmia is suspected. It measures the heart’s electrical activity either at rest or under stress (known as a stress test). EKGs can be done by a physician in an office or hospital setting, or they can be portable and measured over time using a Holter Monitor or event recorder.
An echocardiogram of the heart uses sound waves to track the structure and function of the heart. A moving image of the patient’s beating heart is played on a video screen, where a physician can study the heart’s thickness, size and function.
Cardiac catheterization procedures may be used to help a physician learn more about a patient’s specific arrhythmia. One such test is an electrophysiology study (EPS), which uses controlled electrical stimuli to locate the exact origin and nature of an arrhythmia. Once the electrical malfunction is pinpointed, catheter ablation may be used to treat it. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be recommended based on the results of EPS testing.
A tilt table test may be used to evaluate causes of fainting spells (syncope) that are unrelated to arrhythmias. In the test, the patient is strapped onto a table. Then the table is tilted upright and the heart rate and blood pressure are monitored. This is not a direct test for arrhythmias. However, symptoms common with arrhythmia may also be caused by other medical problems. Tilt table tests may be used to rule out these other causes.