What your doctor can do:

• Diagnose the condition using any or all of the following:
• Laboratory blood tests
• Holter monitor, ECG (electrocardiogram), and treadmill test, all designed to monitor your heart activity under different conditions. The holter monitor is worn at home; ECG and treadmill tests are often done in your doctor’s office.
• Special X-rays and scans that let your doctor view your heart and blood vessels. Some special preparations may be needed for these tests.
• Once your doctor, through the exam and diagnostic tests, has determined the type of arrhythmia you have, your treatment choices can be discussed further. These may include:
• Order medicines to treat the arrhythmia - Anti-coagulants (to thin the blood), diuretics (water pills), antiarrhythmics, and potassium supplements.
• Recommend surgery if needed such as inserting a pacemaker to help pace the beats of the heart; replacing heart valves; or bypassing blocked vessels.
• Recommend cardioversion (electrical impulses) to "jolt" the heart back to normal.