Atrial fibrillation, also called AFib or AF, is diagnosed with a heart rhythm test. Your provider may suspect AFib based on your symptoms, pulse or health history. But an electrocardiogram or heart monitor is needed to confirm it.
Getting the right diagnosis matters. AFib can raise your risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart problems. A diagnosis helps your care team choose the safest and most effective treatment plan for you.
Talk to a health care provider if you notice:
You should also ask your provider about AFib if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, diabetes, thyroid disease or a family history of heart rhythm problems.
Seek emergency care right away if you have chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath or signs of stroke.
Your provider will review your health history, ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They may check your pulse and listen to your heart.
Your provider may also order one or more tests to check your heart rhythm and look for related conditions.
An electrocardiogram, also called an ECG or EKG, records the electrical activity of your heart. It can show if your heartbeat is fast, irregular or out of rhythm.
An ECG is often the first test used to confirm AFib. If your AFib comes and goes, it may not happen during the test. Your provider may recommend a heart monitor that records your rhythm for a longer time.
A Holter monitor is a portable device you wear during normal daily activities. It records your heart rhythm for 24 to 48 hours or longer, depending on the device.
This test can help find AFib episodes that do not happen during a short ECG.
An event monitor is used when symptoms happen less often. Some monitors record your heart rhythm automatically. Others let you press a button when symptoms start.
A patch monitor is a small device that sticks to your chest. It can record your heart rhythm for several days or weeks.
Mobile cardiac telemetry tracks your heart rhythm and can send information to your care team while you wear it. It may be used when your provider needs more detailed rhythm information.
An implantable loop recorder is a small device placed under the skin of the chest. It can track your heart rhythm for months or years.
It may be used when symptoms are rare but concerning or when your provider is looking for an irregular rhythm after an unexplained stroke.
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart. It can show how well your heart pumps and whether you have valve disease, an enlarged heart or other heart problems linked to AFib.
Blood tests do not diagnose AFib by themselves, but they can help find problems that may trigger or worsen AFib.
Your provider may check:
A stress test may be used if your provider wants to see how your heart works during activity. It may also help check for signs of coronary artery disease.
Not everyone with AFib needs a stress test.
A chest X-ray may help your provider look for heart or lung conditions that could be related to your symptoms.
A sleep study may be recommended if your provider thinks you may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is common in people with AFib and can make it harder to manage.
AFib is grouped by how long episodes last and whether the rhythm returns to normal.
After AFib is confirmed, your provider may review:
This information helps your care team recommend the best treatment plan for you.
Some smartwatches can detect an irregular rhythm or possible AFib. These alerts can be helpful, but they do not replace medical care. Your provider may recommend an ECG or heart monitor to confirm AFib.
Yes. If AFib comes and goes, it may not happen during a short ECG. A longer-term monitor may help capture it.
Blood tests can help find problems that may trigger AFib, such as thyroid disease, electrolyte changes, diabetes or kidney disease.
Yes. Your AFib type, symptoms, stroke risk and overall heart health all help guide treatment.
Banner Health offers testing and care for people with atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm problems. If you are diagnosed with AFib, your care team can help you understand your next steps.
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