Atrial Tachycardia

A healthcare provider can diagnose atrial tachycardia when you have symptoms of a heart rhythm problem. Typically, they’ll want to get an electrocardiogram (EKG), which involves attaching stickers to your chest and obtaining a printout of your heart rhythm at that time.

Other tests include wearing a small monitor for a period of time to catch the abnormal rhythm. If the suspicion is high for atrial tachycardia but noninvasive tests have failed to prove this, your provider may take you into the lab under sedation and place catheters in your heart to detect and/or induce this abnormal rhythm.

What tests will be done to diagnose atrial tachycardia?

The following tests are often used to diagnose atrial tachycardia:

• Physical exam: This is the type of exam you get during an annual physical. Your provider may hear a fast heart rhythm even if you have no other symptoms. Most providers will also review your medical history to see if you have any risk factors for this condition.
• Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG): This test measures your heart’s electrical activity using sensors attached to the skin of your chest. You can get this test in minutes at a healthcare facility.
• Holter monitor: This is similar to an electrocardiogram but records heart activity over a few days or weeks. You take this device home with you and return it after the set recording period ends.
• Ambulatory monitors: These devices function like an electrocardiogram. However, you take them home and wear them for up to 30 days. Some monitors track your heart’s activity constantly but only record the data when you activate the device. Others can activate themselves when they detect an abnormal rhythm.
• Electrophysiology study: This is a procedure that maps and measures the electrical activity of your heart. This can show areas where electrical activity in your heart isn’t happening as it should.