Diagnostic Tests Overview
We are fortunate in electrophysiology to have many advanced technologies at our disposal. While most patients are most concerned about treating Afib and other heart rhythm disorders, getting the diagnosis right is just as important. While you may have had an EKG at your last physical, this test cannot diagnose most arrhythmias. More advanced diagnostic tools offered by an electrophysiologist like Dr. Tordini are often needed to diagnose Afib earlier and more accurately.
12 Lead EKG
A 12-lead EKG (Electrocardiogram) records the heart’s electrical activity from 12 distinct areas. It assists in diagnosing arrhythmias, syncope (fainting), high-risk arrhythmia syndromes, coronary artery disease, palpitations, myocardial infarction, medication effects, and the function of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) or pacemakers. That said, a 12-lead EKG only offers a snapshot in time, so while very useful, it may not be appropriate for patients with very occasional Afib. Learn more about EKGs.
Holter Monitor
A Holter Monitor is a portable EKG that continuously records the heart’s rhythms for between 4 to 48 hours while the patient goes about their daily activities. It detects irregular heartbeats that may not appear during a standard EKG test. This is an external device carried by the patient at their hip for the duration of the test. Learn more about Holter Monitors.
Event Monitor
An Event Monitor is similar to a Holter Monitor but is used for extended monitoring periods (up to 2 weeks or even 30 day). It does not continuously monitor but only records the heart’s electrical activity at certain times, such as when the patient activates it during a symptomatic episode or an event triggers the monitor’s automatic detection feature. Learn more about Event Monitors.
Loop Recorder
A loop recorder is an implantable diagnostic device used to collect a significant amount of data over a long period. Of course, as with any device, there is limited memory, and as such, a loop recorder overwrites previous data entry at a specific interval. During this time, the electrophysiologist can access recorded data to understand more about the heart’s electrical activity. While external loop recorders exist, the implantable version is most used in our practice. Learn more about Loop Recorders.
Electrophysiology (EP) Study
An Electrophysiology Study (EP) is a more invasive (albeit still minimally invasive) test in which a catheter is threaded through a vein in the groin (or the neck) into the heart to record electrical activity and pathways. It helps diagnose rhythm disorders and determine their severity to better develop treatment strategies. Arrhythmias can be induced during an EP study, and specific procedures, including ablations, can be performed concurrently with EP studies. Learn more about EP Studies.
Wearables / Apple Watch
Using optical sensors, wearable devices like the Apple Watch monitor heart rate and rhythm. Some models also include ECG functions that allow users to perform single-lead EKGs, potentially providing valuable data for everyday health monitoring and sharing with healthcare providers. It’s important to understand the limitations of these wearable devices and balance that against their convenience period. Also, remember that wearable devices do not detect heart attacks, so if you believe you are having one, do not delay in seeking emergency care. Learn more about wearables like the Apple Watch.