Tachycardia Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to this condition. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:

• Heart palpitations
• Fast heart rate
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting or near fainting
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

Diagnosis

• Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. You will also have an exam. Tests may include the following:
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) —a test that records the heart’s activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle
  • Holter monitor or event monitor —an ambulatory monitor to record your heart rhythm that can be worn from 1-30 days to detect arrhythmias and correlate symptoms with the heart rhythm
  • Exercise test —particularly if the symptoms occur during physical activity
  • Electrophysiology study —an invasive test where monitoring wires are placed inside the heart and the heart's conduction system is tested directly
  • Cardiac catheterization —a tube-like instrument inserted into the heart through a vein or artery (usually in the arm or leg) to detect problems with the heart and its blood supply