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Your doctor at Dignity Health can review your medical and health history, physical exam results, risk factors, and findings from different tests to help diagnose the cause of your cardiac arrhythmia. Some of the tests may include:
These tests will help your doctor figure out the source of your arrhythmia. Your care team will then know how to best go about treating it.
Treatment for arrhythmia may involve trying to reset your heart’s rhythm with medication, procedures, or surgery, including:
If left untreated, mild arrhythmias can develop into more serious conditions such as ventricular fibrillation. They can also lead to dangerous and life-threatening conditions such as a stroke. If you think you may have an arrhythmia, talk to your Dignity Health doctor for proper monitoring and diagnosis.
The difference between arrhythmia and heart attack
The fluttering or palpitations that are characteristic of arrhythmia can be similar to the symptoms of heart attack. While some heart attacks are sudden and quite intense, most begin slowly. This is why it is vital to keep track of mild pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing chest pressure, discomfort in your arms, back, stomach, or neck, shortness of breath, sweat, or nausea with heart palpitations, you may be having a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack in women especially can be very subtle.
If you think you may be having a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately by calling 911.
The information contained in this article is meant for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider.