-
Epic Heart &
Vascular Care
- Primary Care Mulitspeciality Practice
- Epic Heart & Vascular Care
- Primary Care Mulitspeciality Practice
If you or a loved one has been experiencing palpitations, dizziness, or an irregular heartbeat, you may have heard terms like EKG, Holter monitor, loop recorder, or pacemaker interrogation.
This page explains how these tools and tests work together to diagnose and manage arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, one of the most common heart rhythm disorders.
Arrhythmia is an abnormal heartbeat—either too fast, too slow, or irregular. Some are harmless, but others can increase the risk of stroke, fainting, or even sudden cardiac death.
Common arrhythmias include:
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of serious arrhythmia. It causes the upper chambers of the heart (atria) to quiver instead of beating effectively.
Diagnosis begins with a clinical evaluation and then uses one or more of the following tools:
An EKG is a simple, quick test that records your heart’s electrical activity at one point in time. It helps identify:
However, if the arrhythmia doesn’t happen during the test, it may be missed—which is why longer monitoring is often needed.
A Holter monitor is a portable EKG device worn for 24 to 48 hours. It records every heartbeat, making it helpful for:
You wear it while doing regular activities, then return it so the doctor can analyze the data.
An event monitor is worn for a longer period (usually 2–4 weeks) and only records when:
It’s ideal for patients with less frequent symptoms or episodes.
A loop recorder (or insertable cardiac monitor) is a small device placed under the skin in the chest. It can monitor your heart continuously for up to 3 years.
According to studies like CRYSTAL-AF, loop recorders are much better than standard tests at detecting silent AFib after a stroke.
An electrophysiology study is an invasive test done in a hospital to map your heart’s electrical system. A catheter is threaded through a vein to the heart to:
It’s often used when non-invasive tests haven’t given clear answers.
A pacemaker interrogation is a check-up of a pacemaker or defibrillator (ICD) using a special computer (programmer). It:
Pacemaker interrogations are done in clinic or remotely, often every 3–6 months.
Doctors often use these tools in stages depending on your symptoms and test results:
This step-by-step approach helps doctors match the right test—and treatment—to each patient.
AFib treatment focuses on:
Ongoing monitoring with devices like loop recorders or pacemaker interrogations ensures the treatment is working.
Detecting and treating arrhythmias—such as atrial fibrillation—is essential for protecting your heart health and reducing the risk of serious complications like stroke. Tools like EKGs, Holter monitors, implantable loop recorders, and pacemaker checks give doctors a complete view of your heart’s rhythm. With this information, they can take the right steps to keep your heartbeat steady and your heart protected.
Our clinic provides comprehensive cardiac care, from acute treatment to ongoing follow-up, for patients throughout the greater Hudson Valley. Schedule an appointment with our team through our convenient online scheduling form or by calling 877-EPIC-DOC (877-3742-362).
Remember: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your cardiologist or healthcare provider for personalized diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies for heart failure.
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