This is known as a transesophageal echocardiogram. Less commonly, your doctor may recommend an echocardiogram that involves inserting a flexible tube containing a tiny transducer down your throat. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will hold a device called a transducer over your chest, which both sends and receives sound waves as they bounce off your heart. A few minutes of your heart’s electrical activity, both before and after you press the button, are then stored.Įchocardiogram This is an ultrasound of your heart, which uses sound waves to create a video image for your doctor to analyze. Whenever you experience symptoms that may indicate a fast or irregular heartbeat, you push a button on the recorder that activates its data storage function. It involves wearing sensors that connect to a device, which you carry in your pocket or wear attached to a shoulder strap.Ī Holter monitor records your heart’s activity, most commonly for 24 to 48 hours, giving your doctor a more complete picture of your heart rhythm.Įvent Recorder or Ambulatory Telemetry Monitor These are other types of portable ECGs that are typically worn for a much longer period, from a few weeks to a month. Holter Monitor This is a type of portable ECG. It can be done in your doctor’s office in a matter of minutes, and your doctor will usually be able to analyze your results right away. Most of these tests are designed to analyze your heart rhythm or heart rate in a specific way.Įlectrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) This test involves wearing sensors on your chest and arms to record the electrical activity of your heart.Īn ECG is the main test for diagnosing afib. To help diagnose atrial fibrillation, your doctor may order a number of tests. Look for signs of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), such as an enlarged thyroid gland (1).Check for swelling in your legs and feet (possible signs of heart failure or an enlarged heart).If your doctor suspects that you have afib or another serious heart condition, you can expect to undergo an examination of your heart and lungs. In addition to asking about your symptoms, your doctor will probably ask you about your family history of heart conditions, your diet and exercise habits, and other risk factors for heart disease. Your doctor will diagnose or rule out afib based on: Using recreational stimulant drugs (such as cocaine). Some factors you can’t control may increase the risk of developing afib, including the following:Ĭertain aspects of your lifestyle may also contribute to afib, such as: (1) In some people with afib, an underlying cause is never identified.
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