Diagnosing Atrial Fibrillation

The diagnosis process helps us determine the appropriate course of treatment to treat atrial fibrillation. We perform a thorough evaluation in order to plan the most effective treatment for you.

Diagnostic Procedures for Atrial Fibrillation

We begin with a comprehensive physical examination and talk to you about your symptoms and medical history. Then, we perform other tests to obtain an accurate diagnosis. We perform these procedures in our sophisticated electrophysiology (EP) labs, equipped with high-resolution imaging technology and heart mapping systems. Learn more about our procedure rooms in our Heart Institute.

Diagnostic procedures include:

  • Blood tests
  • Chest X-ray
  • Echocardiogram (echo), an ultrasound of your heart
  • Holter monitor test, which monitors your heart's activity over a period of time
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG), a measure of your heart's electrical activity

Learn more about noninvasive heart diagnosis at St. Joseph's Heart Institute.

Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis: Your First Appointment

We want you to get the most out of your appointment. To help you prepare, here is a list of questions you may want to ask your physician. We encourage you to take notes during your appointment and ask answer any questions you may have. We want to empower and educate you to make the most informed decisions about your health care.

Question to ask your doctor:

  1. What is the cause of my atrial fibrillation?
  2. How can I be sure I have AFIB and not a more serious heart rhythm problem?
  3. Will my condition go away on its own?
  4. What are the risks that it will become worse (more symptomatic)?
  5. What is my risk of having a stroke?
  6. What are my treatment options and the risks/benefits of each one?
  7. What are the risks and side effects of medications I may need?
  8. Will I need to see an electrophysiologist or heart surgeon?
  9. What are the success rates for the different procedures?
  10. What is the long term effect of AFIB on my heart?

Contact Us

For more information: (813) 877-2342. Get directions to our facility.