Your doctor may detect the abnormality during a routine physical exam. The usual ways to evaluate a rhythm abnormality are similar to those used to evaluate other health problems. Some medicines may make arrhythmias worse. If your child has an arrhythmia, discuss this with the doctor and ask what to look for. The physical exam is important.
Arrhythmias often can occur without any symptoms at all.
Several tests can help your doctor diagnose an arrhythmia. Many of them are discussed in the Special Tests section. Each time the heart beats, it sends out an electric-like signal. An ECG machine can record this activity. To record the ECG, small patches called electrodes are placed on different parts of the body.