Cardiac arrhythmia tests: ECG and EKG

Definite diagnosis and analysis of arrhythmia is done through ECG recording. Physicians analyze the shape and size of ECG waves and wave intervals, as well as rate and regularity of rhythm.

This analysis allows physicians to determine the rate of atrial activation, the rate and regularity of ventricular activation, and the relationship between atrial and ventricular activations.

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Review Date: 5/8/2024

Reviewed By: Thomas S. Metkus, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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