How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?

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How is atrial fibrillation diagnosed?

To diagnose atrial fibrillation, your healthcare provider will first ask you some questions. You’ll share information about your diet and physical activity, family history, any symptoms you’ve noticed and risk factors. It’s OK if you don’t know all the answers but share as much as you can. Your experiences and knowledge are essential tools to help your provider make a diagnosis. Your provider will then give you a physical exam that includes:

  • Listening to your heart rhythm with a stethoscope.
  • Checking your pulse and blood pressure.
  • Checking the size of your thyroid gland to identify thyroid problems.
  • Looking for swelling in your feet or legs to identify heart failure.
  • Listening to your lungs to detect heart failure or infection.

This exam will help your provider understand your baseline health and how your body is functioning.

Tests to diagnose atrial fibrillation

In addition to the physical exam, your provider may run some tests to make an atrial fibrillation diagnosis. These tests include:

  • Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). An EKG is usually the first test. It’s painless and takes about three minutes. It measures and records your heart’s electrical signals and allows your provider to see if your heart is beating normally.
  • Echocardiogram (echo). An echo uses ultrasound technology to show your heart’s movement. It can reveal problems with blood flow and heart muscle contractions.
  • Blood tests. Sometimes, imbalances in our blood can cause Afib. Simple blood tests can show your potassium and thyroid hormone levels and can help your provider choose the best medicines for you based on your liver and kidney function.

In some cases, your provider may want to check how your heart works in your daily life. If so, you’ll be asked to wear a Holter monitor (for one or two days) or a portable event monitor (for up to one month) to record your heart’s activity.

An EKG records your heart’s electrical impulses and can show if you have atrial fibrillation.

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