arütmiatest

arütmiatest is a set of diagnostic procedures used to detect and characterize heart rhythm disturbances, known as arrhythmias. The aim is to identify abnormal heartbeats, assess their frequency and duration, and determine their potential to cause symptoms, stroke, or sudden cardiac death. The term can refer to both noninvasive monitoring and, in some cases, invasive electrophysiological testing used to map the heart’s electrical system.

Noninvasive tests are the first step in arütmiatest. A resting electrocardiogram (ECG) records the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity at a single point in time. Ambulatory rhythm monitoring, such as a Holter monitor (24–48 hours) or longer-term patch/event monitors, records rhythms over days to weeks to capture intermittent events. Exercise or stress testing evaluates rhythm changes with physical activity. Echocardiography and other imaging tests may accompany rhythm studies to assess heart structure and function that can influence arrhythmia risk. In some cases, noninvasive imaging helps identify triggers or consequences of arrhythmias.

Invasive tests, such as an electrophysiology study (EPS), involve threading catheters into heart chambers to map electrical pathways and reproduce arrhythmias under controlled conditions. EPS can guide catheter ablation, a procedure that aims to eliminate the tissue responsible for abnormal rhythms. In selected patients, implantable loop recorders or implanted devices may be used for long-term rhythm monitoring and management decisions, especially when symptoms are infrequent.

Indications for arütmiatest include palpitations, syncope or near-syncope, unexplained dizziness, evaluation of tachyarrhythmias or bradyarrhythmias, assessment before antiarrhythmic therapy, and preoperative risk stratification. Results guide management, including lifestyle advice, medications, ablation, or device therapy, while acknowledging limitations such as sampling duration and potential artifacts.

See also: arrhythmia, electrocardiography, Holter monitoring, event monitor, implantable loop recorder, electrophysiology study, catheter ablation.