Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation

Complete 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). This is the most typical means of diagnosing atrial fibrillation, particularly in the case of long-lasting episodes. It reveals the heart’s electrical activity from different perspectives.

Holter ECG. Occasionally, when the episodes are short-lived, longer records of the heart’s electrical activity must be obtained during the patient’s everyday routine. Holter monitors record a complete or simple electrocardiogram continuously over a period that usually ranges from 24 hours to 7 days. Although it is becoming increasingly common to detect arrhythmias using mobile apps based on pulse measurements, these methods are not considered valid for the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.

Other tests. Depending on the results and always based on the doctor’s impression, they may request other tests such as blood tests, a stress test or a coronary angiography to identify obstructions in the coronary arteries or an electrophysiological study in an attempt to induce other arrhythmias.