If your doctor suspects you may have ventricular tachycardia, there will be several steps to confirm your diagnosis.
During your initial office visit, your healthcare provider will spend time with you and learn more about your symptoms and overall health. They will:
- Conduct a physical exam
- Discuss your medical history and your current medical conditions
- Listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope
- Check your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen level
These tests can help detect the cause of arrhythmia, such as chronic kidney disease or a thyroid issue.
This imaging test takes pictures of the heart, lungs and nearby blood vessels.
Cardiac computerized tomography (CT) uses X-ray images taken from numerous angles to create a 3D view of your heart. Using cardiac CT, doctors can evaluate the heart valves’ structure and locate blockages that prevent the valves from opening or closing correctly.
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) records the electrical activity in your heart through electrodes attached to the body and connected to a machine with wires.
A patch monitor is a battery-operated ECG that sticks to your chest. While wearing the patch monitor, you can do nearly all your usual activities, even showering. The test usually lasts for one to two weeks.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnets to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and show blood flow and heart valve function. Using cardiac MRI, your physician can diagnose heart valve disease by evaluating leaky or narrowed valves.
