However, the ECG test is useful only when the arrhythmia occurs during testing, which often is not the case. To detect a suspected arrhythmia, a patient may be sent home wearing a Holter monitor. This portable device records the heart's electrical activity from electrodes on the chest over a 24-hour period. Transtelephonic monitors that transmit the heart's rhythm over the telephone may also be used. Tests that provoke arrhythmias make diagnosis easier.
Electrophysiologic testing is also useful in the diagnosis of arrhythmia.
A cardiac catheterization may be ordered to determine if an arrhythmia is caused by coronary artery disease. During this test, using local anesthetics, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart via X-ray. A contrast dye is injected through the catheter so the coronary arteries, heart chambers, and valves can be evaluated. Once an arrhythmia is confirmed, your doctor will decide whether the condition is serious enough to merit medical or surgical treatment. In some cases, no treatment is necessary.