Sometimes a doctor can easily diagnose that you have an arrhythmia by taking your pulse and examining you. However, some people have intermittent symptoms which may or may not be due to an arrhythmia. For example, some people who have 'palpitations' may have ectopic beats, or may be just more aware of their normal heartbeat. Some people have dizzy spells, or fainting attacks which may be due to an intermittent arrhythmia. Tests can help to confirm if you have an arrhythmia, and to find which type it is.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

The ECG test is painless and harmless. Small metal electrodes are stuck onto your arms, legs and chest. Wires from the electrodes are connected to the ECG machine. The electrical impulses in your heart can be detected by the ECG machine. The machine detects and amplifies the electrical impulses that occur each heartbeat and records them onto a paper or computer. An ECG can confirm if you have an arrhythmia at the time of the test. Different arrhythmias cause different ECG patterns so this test can often clarify the type of arrhythmia.

Ambulatory ECG

If you have an intermittent arrhythmia, this may not be 'caught' by a standard ECG done at one particular time. You may then be advised to have an ambulatory ECG. This test records the electrical activity of your heart when you are walking about (ambulatory) and doing your normal activities. Wires from electrodes placed on your chest are connected to a small lightweight recorder. The recorder is attached to a belt which you wear round your waist. (It is like wearing a personal stereo or 'walkman'.) The electrical activity is usually recorded for 24-48 hours.

You will be given a diary to record the times when you develop any symptoms (such as palpitations). The ECG tracing is analysed at the end of the test. But, any times you record where symptoms occurred will be most carefully analysed to see if there was an arrhythmia to account for the symptoms.

Exercise ECG

Sometimes an ECG is taken whilst you exercise on a treadmill or bike to try and provoke symptoms which may be an intermittent arrhythmia.
Other more sophisticated tests may be advised in difficult cases.

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