Pacemaker (cont.)
Diagnostic Tests
A number of tests are used to detect arrhythmias. Your doctor may recommend
some or all of these tests.
EKG (Electrocardiogram)
An EKG is a simple, painless test that detects and records the heart's
electrical activity. The test shows how fast the heart is beating and its rhythm
(steady or irregular).
An EKG also records the strength and timing of electrical signals as they
pass through each part of the heart. The test can help diagnose bradycardia and
heart block (the most common reasons for needing a pacemaker).
A standard EKG only records the heartbeat for a few seconds. It won't detect
arrhythmias that don't happen during the test.
To diagnose heart rhythm problems that come and go, your doctor may have you
wear a portable EKG monitor. The two most common types of portable EKGs are
Holter and event monitors.
Holter and Event Monitors
A Holter monitor records the heart's electrical activity for a full 24- or
48-hour period. You wear one while you do your normal daily activities. This
allows the monitor to record your heart for a longer time than a standard EKG.
An event monitor is similar to a Holter monitor. You wear an event monitor
while doing your normal activities. However, an event monitor only records your
heart's electrical activity at certain times while you're wearing it.
For many event monitors, you push a button to start the monitor when you feel
symptoms. Other event monitors start automatically when they sense abnormal
heart rhythms.
You may wear an event monitor for 1 to 2 months, or as long as it takes to
get a recording of your heart during symptoms.
Echocardiography
Echocardiography (echo) uses sound waves to create a moving picture of your
heart. The test provides information about the size and shape of your heart and
how well your heart chambers and valves are working.
Echo also can identify areas of poor blood flow to the heart, areas of heart
muscle that aren't contracting normally, and injury to the heart muscle caused
by poor blood flow.
Electrophysiology Study
For this test, a thin, flexible wire is passed through a vein in your groin
(upper thigh) or arm to your heart. The wire records the heart's electrical
signals.
Your doctor uses the wire to electrically stimulate your heart. This allows
him or her to see how your heart's electrical system responds. The electrical
stimulation helps pinpoint where the heart's electrical system is damaged.
Stress Test
Some heart problems are easier to diagnose when your heart is working hard
and beating fast.
During stress testing, you exercise (or are given medicine if you're unable
to exercise) to make your heart work hard and beat fast while heart tests, such
as an EKG or echo, are done.
Patient Discussions
Viewers share their comments
Pacemaker - Describe Your Experience
Question: How has your pacemaker affected your lifestyle?
Heart RSS
Healthy Living Tips
