Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Irregular Heart Rhythms
Introduction
Overview
Overview
- Patients with a conscious, unpleasant awareness of their heartbeat.
Differential Diagnosis
Differential Diagnosis
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory Findings
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Calcium
- Pulse oximetry
- Arterial blood gases (ABG)
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) / creatinine
- Cardiac enzymes
- Toxicology screen
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Electrolyte and Biomarker Studies
Electrocardiogram
- ECG with rhythm strip
Chest X Ray
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
- Echocardiogram may be necessary
- Transesophageal echocardiography more sensitive than transthoracic echocardiography
Treatment
Treatment
- Administration of supplemental oxygen
- Hemodynamic stability
- Cardioversion
- Radiofrequency ablation
Acute Pharmacotherapies
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]