Diagnostic Services for Arrhythmias
The University of Chicago Hospitals Cardiac Center offers state-of-the-art heart testing, including special services for patients with heart rhythm disturbances. These tests help physicians determine the exact origin of the rhythm disorder, which ultimately leads to the best treatment plan for each patient.
Some of the services provided include:
Electrocardiographic Testing
Electrocardiograms, often abbreviated as ECG or EKG, are noninvasive tests that record the electrical activity of the heart. ECGs are used to determine if the heart has been damaged. There are a few types of ECGs. A resting ECG can be performed while lying down. An exercise ECG, sometimes called a stress test, is performed while exercising on a treadmill or bicycle.
Holter Monitoring and Event Monitoring
These tests are used to determine if an arrhythmia is occurring and what type and how frequently it is occurring. With Holter monitoring, or 24-hour ECG, the patient wears a small, portable machine that records changes in heart rhythm throughout the day.
Tilt Table Testing
Tilt tests are often used if you experience fainting spells (syncope). These tests study how your heart reacts to a change in position from lying down to standing up.
Electrophysiologic Testing
Electrophysiologic testing involves the insertion of a small catheter into the arm or leg, and then into the heart. The physician uses these catheters to better determine the type and origin of the rhythm disorder.
More Information
- Diagnostic Services
- Medical Care & Ablation
- Atrial Fibrillation Surgery
- Pacemakers and Defibrillators
