Heart Arrhythmias
How are heart arrhythmias diagnosed?
Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests to confirm heart arrhythmias:
- Stress test. This involves walking on a treadmill or pedalling on a stationary bicycle with an electrocardiogram (ECG) attached. The test monitors your heart rate and blood pressure during physical activity.
- Echocardiogram. This uses ultrasound to check heart muscle and valve function.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG records your heart’s electrical activity via small electrode patches on your chest, arms and legs.
- Holter monitor. This portable ECG tracks your heart’s electrical activities over 1 – 2 days.
- Event monitor. You will wear this for a month. It comes with a button to record electrical activity whenever you notice symptoms. This is more suitable for symptoms that occur infrequently. At the end of the monitoring period, your doctor will interpret the results.
- Cardiac catheterisation. This procedure offers doctors a clear view of your heart valves, coronary arteries and chambers. Your doctor will insert a long thin tube (catheter) into a blood vessel on your arm or leg and guide it to your heart. Next, a dye will be injected into the catheter that will show clearly on X-rays.
- Electrophysiology (EP) study. This triggers an unusual heart rhythm so that your heart’s electrical activities and pathways can be studied.
How are heart arrhythmias treated?
Many arrhythmias do not need treatment. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and discuss the most suitable treatment option for you.
Your treatment may include a combination of:
- Lifestyle changes
- Medication
- Surgery to control arrhythmias and restore a regular heart rate
- Catheter ablation
Make an appointment with our cardiologists for an accurate diagnosis to draw up your treatment plan.
This page has been reviewed by our medical content reviewers.
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