Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 02/17/2009
Diagnosis of abnormal heart rhythms
A doctor may be able to detect an irregular heart beat during a physical exam by taking the patient's pulse. In addition, the diagnosis may be based upon the presence of certain symptoms, including:
- palpitations...
(feeling of skipped heart beats or fluttering in the chest) - pounding in the chest
- shortness of breath
- chest discomfort
- fainting
- dizziness or feeling light-headed
- weakness, fatigue, or feeling tired
Not everyone with abnormal heart rhythms will experience symptoms, so the condition may be discovered upon examination for another medical condition.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS. Tests used to diagnose an abnormal heart rhythm or determine its cause include:
- blood tests
- chest x rays
- electrocardiogram
- ambulatory monitors such as the Holter monitor, loop recorder and transtelephonic transmitter
- stress test
- echocardiogram
- cardiac catheterization
- electrophysiology study (EPS)
- head-upright tilt table test
- nuclear medicine test, such as a MUGA scan (multiple-gated acquisition scanning)
Preparation for cardioversion
MEDICATION GUIDELINES.
- Medication to thin the blood (blood thinner or anticoagulant) is usually given for at least three weeks before elective cardioversion.
- The patient should take all usual medications as prescribed, unless other instructions have been given.
- Patients who take diabetes medications or anticoagulants should ask their doctor for specific instructions.
EATING AND DRINKING GUIDELINES. The patient should not eat or drink anything for six to eight hours before the procedure.
OTHER GUIDELINES. It is advisable to arrange for transportation home, because drowsiness may last several hours and driving is not permitted after the procedure.
Do not apply any lotion or ointments to your chest or back before the procedure.
Advertisement
Search
Other Information
Definition
Cardioversion refers to the process of restoring the heart's normal rhythm by applying a controlled electric shock to the exterior of the chest.
Description
Elective cardioversion is usually scheduled ahead of time. After arriving at the hospital, an intravenous (IV) catheter will be placed in the arm and oxygen will be given through a face mask. A short-acting general anesthetic will be administered through the vein. During the two or three minutes of anesthesia, the doctor will apply two paddles to the exterior of the chest and administer the electric shock. It may be necessary to give the shock two or three times to obtain normal rhythm.
Other Information
In 2005, an estimated 6,989,000 inpatient cardiovascular operations and procedures were performed in the United States; 4.1 million were performed on males and 2.9 million were performed on females.
From: American Heart Association
Find a Qualified Specialist
Looking for a specialist?
Please enter your zip code.