Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis: medical history, physical examination, electrocardiogram, holter, echocadiogram, blood test

Atrial Fibrillation - Diagnosis

There are many diagnostic tests available for the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) such as:

Checking pulse: This is a simple test that can help with the detection of AF and can be done by the doctor as part of a physical examination or by yourself. If you are checking your own pulse, make sure you do not smoke or consume caffeine before taking the measurement.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): This is the main diagnostic test for AF. It measures your heart rhythm and electrical activity, which shows if the heart is beating too quickly. If you have AF, the ECG should show absent P waves and rapid disorganised electrical activity.
Holter: A Holter monitor is a portable ECG recorder which measures your heart rhythm for 24 to 48 hours. This is used because a typical ECG is rather short and may not be able to capture a moment of AF.
Blood tests: Help check for possible conditions that might lead to AF.
Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart allows doctors to look at the functions and structures of the heart and valves to detect any structural abnormalities.

Aside from these tests, a thorough medical history will be obtained from patients with suspected or known AF.