Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry Tachycardia (AVNRT) |

To diagnose atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT), a healthcare professional examines you and asks questions about your symptoms and medical history. The healthcare professional listens to your heart and lungs using a stethoscope.

Tests are often done to check heart health.

Tests

Tests used to diagnose atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) may include:

Blood tests. Blood tests can check for thyroid disease and other conditions that can cause an irregular heartbeat.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This simple test checks the electrical activity of the heart. It shows how fast or slow the heart is beating.
Holter monitor. This portable ECG device is worn for a day or more to record the heart’s activity during daily activities. A Holter monitor can find irregular or fast heartbeats that don’t show up on a regular electrocardiogram.
Echocardiogram. Sound waves create pictures of the beating heart. An echocardiogram shows the heart’s size and how blood flows through the heart.
Exercise stress tests. These tests often involve walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while the heart activity is watched. Exercise tests show how the heart reacts to physical activity. If you can’t exercise, you might get medicines that affect the heart like exercise does.
Electrophysiological study. Also called an EP study, this test can show where in the heart the irregular heartbeat starts. During this test, a doctor guides one or more flexible tubes through a blood vessel, usually in the groin, to various areas in the heart. Sensors on the tips of the tubes record the heart’s electrical signals.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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