Atrial Fibrillation-Exams and Tests
An
electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) is the best and simplest
way to find out whether you have
atrial fibrillation. It is usually done along
with a
medical history and physical exam.
If your doctor suspects that you have atrial fibrillation that comes and goes, he or she may ask you to use a device to record your heart rhythm for a while. This is referred to by several names, including ambulatory electrocardiogram, ambulatory EKG, Holter monitoring, 24-hour EKG, and cardiac event monitoring. Your doctor might also use this device to check how well a medicine is working.
Atrial Fibrillation Travel Tips
No need to feel anxious about hitting the road when you have atrial fibrillation (AFib). "As long as you're getting good medical care, traveling with AFib shouldn't be a problem," says N. A. Mark Estes, MD, director of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Center at Tufts University School of Medicine.Plan ahead so your trip is fun and relaxing.
Read the Atrial Fibrillation Travel Tips article > >
Other tests your doctor may recommend include:
If your doctor suspects that you have atrial fibrillation that comes and goes, he or she may ask you to use a device to record your heart rhythm for a while. This is referred to by several names, including ambulatory electrocardiogram, ambulatory EKG, Holter monitoring, 24-hour EKG, and cardiac event monitoring. Your doctor might also use this device to check how well a medicine is working.
Recommended Related to Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial Fibrillation Travel Tips
No need to feel anxious about hitting the road when you have atrial fibrillation (AFib). "As long as you're getting good medical care, traveling with AFib shouldn't be a problem," says N. A. Mark Estes, MD, director of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Center at Tufts University School of Medicine.Plan ahead so your trip is fun and relaxing.
Read the Atrial Fibrillation Travel Tips article > >
Other tests
Other tests your doctor may recommend include:
- Electrophysiology (EP) studyElectrophysiology (EP) study. This test can help your doctor see if there is a problem with your heartbeat (heart rhythm) and find out how to fix it.
- Exercise electrocardiogramExercise electrocardiogram. Also called a stress test, this test will help your doctor see whether you have coronary artery disease.
- EchocardiogramEchocardiogram. This test can show whether your heart valves are damaged, how well your heart is pumping, and whether you have heart failure or have had a heart attack.
- A blood test to check for hyperthyroidism.
- Prothrombin time and INRProthrombin time and INR. If you take warfarin (such as Coumadin), you will need to have this type of blood test regularly to check how long it takes for your blood to clot.