Diagnostic Testing

Do You Have an Arrhythmia?

You’ve probably felt your heart beat fast or feel like it's skipping a beat. These can be signs of a cardiac arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat.

It’s not unusual to have these symptoms occasionally, particularly as you get older. However, if an arrhythmia lasts long enough, it can affect the way your heart works and cause more serious symptoms.

Most arrhythmias are harmless, but some are dangerous. Some can interfere with your quality of life. That’s why it's important to talk to your doctor to get it checked out to make sure your heart is functioning properly.

Diagnosing Heart Arrhythmia

Our arrhythmia specialists (electrophysiologists) use specialized tests and procedures to diagnose irregular heartbeats. The St. Elizabeth Heart & Vascular Institute provides doctors with the latest imaging tools to plan your treatment. Our diagnostic tests include:

• Blood tests – Can determine if a thyroid condition or other issue may be causing the irregular heartbeat.
• Electrophysiology study (EPS) – Tests the electrical activity in your heart to find where the arrhythmia is coming from.
• Echocardiogram – Uses sound waves (ultrasound) to assess the function and structure of your heart.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) – Records your heart’s electrical activity using electrodes placed on your skin.
• Event and Holter monitoring – Allow your doctor to measure your heart’s electrical activity remotely after you leave the office. Both are portable devices worn under your clothing: A Holter monitor measures heart activity for a day or two, while an event monitor is used for a longer duration (three to four weeks).
• Implantable loop recording (ILR) – A small device that’s surgically implanted under the skin on your chest. It allows your doctor to monitor your heart function remotely, for up to two years.
• Tilt table test – Used to diagnose the cause of unexplained dizziness and fainting. As you lie on a special table, your doctor will slowly raise the table’s angle — monitoring your heart rate and blood pressure — until you’re in a standing position.

In some instances, your doctor may provide treatment immediately after the procedure, such as catheter ablation or cardiac device implantation.