Heart rhythm disorders registrations

Cardiac arrhythmias, or heart rhythm abnormalities, are common. In arrhythmias, the heart rhythm changes from normal: it accelerates or slows down inappropriately or becomes irregular. Arrhythmias can be asymptomatic or they can cause a wide range of symptoms. Typical symptoms of arrhythmias include different sensations in the heartbeat, a feeling of fainting or a momentary loss of consciousness. The most common types of arrhythmia include various types of extra beats.

The most common chronic arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation, or fibrillation, which increases in likelihood with age. If left untreated, atrial fibrillation can cause a stroke, but early detection and good treatment can significantly reduce the risk of stroke.

How are arrhythmias studied?

Different arrhythmias cause very different symptoms, and many different tests can be carried out to find out what they are.

The basic examination is a 12-lead ECG, or heart film. But if the arrhythmia is episodic and does not occur on the ECG, the type of arrhythmia remains unclear. In that case, more information can be obtained from 1-7 day Holter recordings and from event ECG or symptom ECG recordings. These record the electrical activity of the heart from 24 hours to several weeks.

The registration provides the cardiologist with information about the electrical activity of the heart, the arrhythmia and its nature, and any symptoms that may have occurred during the registration.

Read more about arrhythmias here.

Book an appointment for an arrhythmia consultation:
You can book an appointment for an arrhythmia registration by phone

Holter

Holter cables are attached to electrode stickers that are glued to the skin. The device is small in size and attaches to a single electrode sticker, so it is more discreet to carry around.

Typically, a Holter recording takes 24 hours, but recordings of up to a week are possible. During the test, it is best to lead as normal a life as possible so that any symptoms are recorded in the device’s memory for the cardiologist to see.

As electrode stickers stick best to clean skin, we recommend careful washing before installing the device. During registration, you will keep a diary of your symptoms and activities.

Event ECG

An event or symptomatic ECG is used to seek clarification for rare symptoms of arrhythmia. You can usually record an ECG for 2-3 weeks with a device that you carry with you when a symptom occurs. Up to several hundred ECG recordings can be stored on the device.

At the appointment, the doctor will interpret the recordings and discuss any further action with you.

Watch the Zenicor ECG control video.

Subcutaneous rhythm monitors

Sometimes heart rhythm disturbances come and go so quickly or occur so infrequently that they are not recorded on a heart film or event ECG. In those cases, an arrhythmia monitor may be a more appropriate device to identify the cause of the symptoms. The most common use of an arrhythmia monitor is in the detection of recurrent episodes of cardiac-related loss of consciousness.

A heart rate monitor is a small device that can be placed under the skin to monitor and record the ECG waveform of the heart around the clock for up to two years. Through a remote monitoring device, the device sends recordings to be viewed by medical staff.

For more information, please contact our Helsinki office, where the rhythm amplifiers are installed.