Internal Medicine | Cardiovascular Disease Questions Arrhythmia

How is arrhythmia diagnosed?

I'm only 27, but I think I have an arrhythmia. I feel like I have some heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. What tests should I do that can confirm it? How's it diagnosed?

2 Answers

You will need to see your physician who will order blood tests and will do an electrocardiogram (EKG) as initial tests for diagnosis of arrhythmia. Based on preliminary test results, you may be then referred to a cardiologist (heart specialist) for additional testing to determine exact type and cause of arrhythmia.

Navdeep Kaur, MD
It is usually diagnosed by a physician listening to your chest for the rate and rhythm of your heart during an exam, along with getting your history. Then an EKG can pick it up or a holter monitor that you wear for at least a day or several days can be ordered. A regular dr can do that or can refer you to a cardiologist for further work up.