Heart arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats triggered by faulty or extra electric signals that control the rate and rhythm of heartbeats. In this condition, the heart beats sometimes too rapidly or slowly. Such uncoordinated beats lead to changes in the heartbeat, called arrhythmias in medical parlance. Most arrhythmias are not life-threatening, but some can cause sudden cardiac arrest. The doctor may seek further tests for arrhythmia diagnosis if they suspect something is up while assessing your symptoms. Such tests help them confirm whether it is arrhythmia.
What are the Diagnoses for Arrhythmia?
The diagnosis for arrhythmia can include the doctor taking note of the patient's family history and lifestyle pattern. They may perform a physical examination to identify the reason for an unusual heartbeat and try to ascertain the source of the change. The doctor will use a specific device called an electrocardiogram (ECG) to conduct an electrical recording of the patient's heart rhythm to confirm arrhythmia. If the ECG doesn't show any discrepancies, the doctor may suggest further monitoring the heart by using a small, portable ECG recording device to monitor the heart rhythm.
The portable ECG recording device is called a Holter monitor or ambulatory ECG monitoring. Some patients can be asked to wear such an ECG monitor for 24 hours or even up to 14 days and present it before the cardiologist or heart rhythm specialist to assess the readings.
Other tests to diagnose arrhythmia include:
Cardiac event recorder:
This device records occasional symptoms that may occur over a period of time.
Electrophysiological (EP) study:
In this test, electrical signals in your heart are studied by passing soft wires up a vein in your leg and into your heart.
Electrocardiogram:
Device used to scan the heart.
Conclusion
Arrhythmia stems from faulty electrical signals generated by the heart; its symptoms include rapid or extremely slow heartbeats. Ignoring the condition can lead to cardiac arrests, which can be fatal. The best way to keep yourself healthy is to consume heart-healthy food, make lifestyle changes, and take the prescribed medications religiously. You can also safeguard yourself from financial challenges from such anticipated health issues by securing health insurance that suits your needs.