About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Heart Arrhythmia Test: What You Need to Know
Introduction
Heart arrhythmia is a condition where the heart beats irregularly – too fast, too slow, or with an irregular pattern. Diagnosing an arrhythmia requires several medical tests to evaluate the heart's electrical activity and overall function.
Common Tests for Arrhythmia
1. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- A simple and quick test that records the heart's electrical activity.
- Helps detect irregular heart rhythms and abnormalities.
- Usually performed in a doctor's office or hospital.
2. Holter Monitor
- A portable ECG that records heart activity continuously for 24-48 hours.
- Used to capture arrhythmias that may not appear in a short ECG test.
3. Event Monitor
- Similar to a Holter monitor but used for longer periods (weeks or months).
- Activated manually when symptoms occur to record heart rhythm at that time.
4. Echocardiogram
- Uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the heart.
- Helps evaluate structural abnormalities that might cause arrhythmias.
5. Stress Test
- The patient exercises or takes medication to stimulate the heart while it is monitored.
- Identifies arrhythmias triggered by physical activity.
6. Electrophysiological Study (EPS)
- A specialized test where thin wires (catheters) are inserted into the heart to map electrical signals.
- Helps determine the source of severe or complex arrhythmias.
7. Implantable Loop Recorder
- A small device placed under the skin to monitor heart rhythms for months or years.
- Useful for patients with infrequent symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical advice if you have symptoms such as: - Palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeats) - Dizziness or fainting - Shortness of breath - Chest discomfort
Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and preventing complications like stroke and heart failure.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for Cardiac Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/S1547-5271(23)02246-4/fulltext
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.