To diagnose a cardiac arrhythmia, the arrhythmia itself needs to be "captured" on some type of heart rhythm recording. Diagnosis can be easy, difficult, or somewhere in between.
If you have a chronic or persistent arrhythmia, then it's just a matter of recording an electrocardiogram (ECG) and documenting the presence and type of arrhythmia you are experiencing.
Unfortunately, cardiac arrhythmias are often episodic in nature, coming and going without warning. In these cases, your symptoms may occur as sporadic episodes, often lasting just a few seconds, making a random 12-second ECG unlikely to reveal the arrhythmia. Additional testing is necessary.
If your healthcare provider thinks you may be experiencing cardiac arrhythmia, the first question is whether it is likely to be life-threatening.
Warning Signs
Your healthcare provider will likely consider the possibility that you are having a potentially dangerous arrhythmia, such as ventricular tachycardia or heart block, if you have:
This is especially true if you have an underlying cardiac disease.
If this is the case, you will probably be placed on a cardiac monitor in the hospital until a firm diagnosis can be made and, if necessary, effective treatment is instituted. At Sleep Disorder Center we can provide Cardiac Arrythmia testing right in the comfort of your own home. RhythmStar®, a revolutionary 1-piece heart monitor that is discreet and comfortable to wear. With built-in 4G cellular connectivity, RhythmStar records and transmits your heartbeat to our monitoring center, where certified cardiac technicians review your heart rhythm and notify your doctor of any unusual activity.