Symptoms and Diagnosis of Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia Symptoms

Some patients with arrhythmias (fast heartbeat) have no symptoms, while others can be severely affected. A lack of steady blood flow to the body causes symptoms. Symptoms can range from simply feeling lightheaded and noticing rapid heart rate, to sudden cardiac death. Arrhythmia symptoms include:

• Palpitations
• Rapid heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting

Arrhythmia Diagnosis

In order to diagnose an arrhythmia, doctors order specific tests, depending on the type of arrhythmia that they suspect. In addition to blood tests, your doctor may order:

• Electrocardiogram: 24-hour electrocardiogram, or ECG (in which you wear a vest-like device called a Holter monitor during normal activity)
• Electrophysiology study (used to locate the origin of the rhythm disorder and determine the best treatment)