Patient Cardiology Education | Heart Tests, Procedures & Conditions Explained

Education for patients

Patient Education: Tests, Procedures, Conditions & Heart Health

Clear, trusted explanations for patients and families across cardiology, electrophysiology, interventional, structural, and vascular medicine.

Browse Popular Guides → /education#guides

NoCo Cardiology Education Hub — Overview Summary

Welcome to the NoCo Cardiology Education Hub, your trusted source for clear, accurate, and easy-to-understand cardiovascular information. This page is designed to help patients, families, and caregivers learn about a wide range of heart and vascular conditions, including arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, SVT, premature beats, valve disease, heart failure, structural heart treatments, vascular disease, and common cardiac symptoms. Our goal is to provide education that empowers you to make informed decisions about your health, understand your diagnostic tests, and feel more confident during medical evaluations.
Here, you’ll find carefully organized accordion sections covering today’s most important cardiology and electrophysiology topics. Each section answers the exact questions patients commonly search online, helping you quickly access high-yield information about symptoms, causes, diagnostic testing, and advanced treatment options—including ablations, TAVR, MitraClip, cardiac catheterization, stress testing, and therapies for vascular and structural heart disease.
This page is actively under construction, and new content is added each week as we continue building one of the most comprehensive cardiovascular education libraries in Northern Colorado. If a section is not yet complete, please check back soon—updated guides, diagrams, videos, and expert explanations will continue to roll out over the next several months.
Thank you for visiting NoCo Cardiology. We’re committed to providing reliable education and supporting patients throughout Fort Collins, Northern Colorado, Wyoming, and the surrounding regions with excellence in cardiovascular care.

🚧 NOCO Cardiology — Soft Launch
Thank you for visiting! This website is currently under active development. Several sections, videos, and educational tools are being constructed, and some links may not yet be functional.
We are expanding throughout December–February and expect the full platform to be live by March 1st, 2026.

Heart Conditions

Simple explanations of AFib, SVT, CAD, heart failure, valve disease, and other common cardiac conditions—written for patients and families in plain language.

Learn Conditions

Tests & Diagnostics

Understand why echocardiograms, stress tests, CT scans, monitors, and EP studies are ordered—and what your results mean.

View Test Guides

Procedures & Treatments

Clear walk-throughs of angiograms, stents, ablation, TAVR, Watchman, pacemakers, ICDs, and other cardiac and rhythm procedures..

Explore Procedures

Devices & Implants

Plain-language guides to pacemakers, ICDs, loop recorders, heart monitors, LAA closure devices, and recovery expectations.

Device Basics

Structural Heart

Patient-friendly education on TAVR, MitraClip/TriClip, ASD/PFO closure, valve disease, and minimally invasive structural interventions.

Structural Guides

Vascular and Cardiovascular Medicine/Surgery

Learn about PAD, DVT/PE, aortic disease, vascular imaging, Valve surgery , CABG, and peripheral interventions with simple, helpful explanations.

Vascular Info

MOST REQUESTED GUIDES

Our Most Important Cardiology & (EP) Electrophysiology Guides

Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

A complete, patient-friendly walkthrough of how AFib ablation works, anesthesia steps, risks, success rates, and recovery.

SVT Ablation

What to expect before, during, and after SVT ablation, including preparation, mapping, risks, and timelines.

Coronary Angiogram vs Stent

Understand the difference between diagnostic coronary angiograms and stent placement—and how your cardiologist decides.

Pacemaker & ICD Basics

Why pacemakers and ICDs are used, how they are implanted, and what living with a cardiac device looks like.

TAVR: Aortic Valve Replacement and AS

A beginner-friendly guide to evaluation, CT sizing, anesthesia, risks, procedure steps, and recovery.

Watchman & Amulet (LAA Closure)

Learn how left atrial appendage closure works, who qualifies, and what to expect during follow-up.

MORE POPULAR PATIENT GUIDES

Learn About Common Heart, Valve & Vascular Conditions

Heart Failure Basics

Understand the causes, symptoms, medications, and long-term management of heart failure.

Chest Pain: What It Means

A practical guide to causes of chest pain, ER vs clinic decisions, and testing.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Symptoms, testing, ABI/PVR, treatment options, and when intervention is needed.

DVT & Pulmonary Embolism

How blood clots form, warning signs, testing, and treatment strategies.

Valve Disease: AS, AR, MR, TR, MS

Causes, symptoms, testing, valve anatomy basics, and when treatment is needed..

Arrhythmias Explained

AFib, SVT, PVCs, VT, and other rhythm disorders explained in simple, understandable language.

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AFIB, Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Flutter

Understanding the most common heart rhythm disorder

Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm in which the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) fire rapidly and irregularly. Instead of beating in a coordinated way, the atria quiver or “fibrillate.” This causes the heartbeat to become irregular and can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue. AFib can be intermittent (paroxysmal), persistent, or long-standing. It is the most common sustained arrhythmia in adults.

AFib is caused by abnormal electrical signals that originate from the pulmonary veins or other areas of the atria. Common risk factors include high blood pressure, sleep apnea, aging, obesity, alcohol use, endurance exercise, heart valve disease, thyroid imbalance, and a family history of arrhythmia. Triggers may include stress, illness, excessive caffeine or alcohol, dehydration, or poor sleep. Older age is one of the biggest risk factors.

Symptoms vary widely. Some patients feel nothing; others experience:
Irregular heartbeat or fluttering
Rapid heartbeat
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Lightheadedness
Reduced exercise tolerance
Symptoms may come and go or persist for hours to days. Some individuals only discover AFib during routine exams.

AFib increases the risk of stroke because blood can pool in the atria and form clots, which can travel to the brain. The condition may also weaken the heart muscle over time (tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy) if the rate remains uncontrolled. Managing AFib is crucial to reducing complications. Treatments focus on stroke prevention, controlling heart rate, and restoring or maintaining normal rhythm.

AFib is diagnosed using:
Electrocardiogram (ECG): Identifies irregular atrial activity.
Holter or event monitor: Detects intermittent AFib episodes.
Echocardiogram: Evaluates chamber size, valve function, and ejection fraction.
Blood tests: Check thyroid function, kidney status, electrolytes.
Wearable devices: Many smart watches and patches detect AFib accurately.

Treatment has three priorities:
Stroke prevention — blood thinners (anticoagulants) based on stroke risk.
Heart rate control — beta blockers or calcium-channel blockers.
Rhythm control — antiarrhythmics, cardioversion, or catheter ablation.
Lifestyle modification plays a major role, especially sleep apnea management, weight loss, and alcohol reduction.

AFib ablation uses heat or cold energy to isolate the pulmonary veins, preventing erratic electrical signals from entering the atria. Newer Technology of PFA or Pulse Field Ablation has advanced the ablation process to be faster, safer and more effective. With PFA most procedures take 1-2 hours at most, and involve a same-day or overnight stay. Patients may have temporary irregular rhythms during the healing period (“blanking period”). Many patients experience fewer AFib episodes or become AFib-free. Repeat ablation is sometimes needed.

While AFib is often a chronic condition, many patients achieve excellent rhythm control through medication, lifestyle improvement, and ablation. Stroke risk remains manageable with proper anticoagulation. The long-term outlook is very good when AFib is treated early and comprehensively.

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Fast heart rhythms that come from the upper chambers

SVT is a rapid heart rhythm that begins above the ventricles. Episodes start suddenly, often reaching rates of 150–220 beats per minute. Common types include AVNRT (a short circuit near the AV node), AVRT (using an extra electrical pathway as in WPW), and atrial tachycardia. SVT is usually not dangerous but can be highly symptomatic.

SVT is caused by abnormal electrical loops or circuits in the heart. Some patients are born with an extra pathway; others develop the condition over time. Triggers include stress, caffeine, alcohol, dehydration, or sudden changes in posture. Episodes often start abruptly and stop abruptly.

Symptoms may include:
Rapid, pounding heartbeat
Chest tightness
Shortness of breath
Anxiety
Dizziness
Seek care if symptoms last more than 20–30 minutes, cause fainting, or occur frequently.

Diagnosing SVT often requires capturing it on an ECG or wearable monitor. If episodes are hard to capture, an electrophysiology (EP) study may be performed to locate the abnormal circuit. Echo and labs are usually normal.

During an episode:
Try vagal maneuvers such as bearing down or blowing into a syringe.
If ineffective, medications such as adenosine or calcium-channel blockers may be given in the ER.
Most episodes resolve quickly and do not cause long-term damage.

Ablation cures SVT in over 95% of cases. The abnormal pathway is mapped and eliminated with radiofrequency energy. Risks are low, recovery is fast, and most patients are cured permanently.

Yes. Many patients are sensitive to caffeine, alcohol, sleep deprivation, or intense exercise. Tracking triggers helps reduce episode frequency, though ablation is the most effective long-term solution.

Most SVT is not life-threatening, but episodes can be disruptive. With ablation, most patients are completely cured and require no ongoing medication.

PVCs & PACs (Premature Beats) Premature Ventricular Contractions, Premature Ventricular Beats, Premature Atrial Contractions or Beats

Skipped beats, extra beats, and their meaning

Premature atrial contractions (PACs) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are extra heartbeats that interrupt the normal rhythm. PACs come from the atria; PVCs come from the ventricles. Both are extremely common.

Common causes include caffeine, alcohol, stress, anxiety, dehydration, sleep apnea, thyroid imbalance, and normal aging. Low electrolytes may also contribute

Most PVCs are harmless. They become concerning when:
PVC burden exceeds ~10–15%
They cause weakness or low ejection fraction
They come from scar tissue
High-burden PVCs can cause cardiomyopathy, which is reversible with treatment.

“Burden” refers to the percentage of heartbeats that are PVCs. Higher burdens increase the likelihood of symptoms or weakened heart muscle. This is measured using Holter or patch monitors.

Diagnosis includes:
ECG
Holter or Zio patch
Echocardiogram
Thyroid testing
Electrolytes
Sometimes cardiac MRI to assess scar or structural causes

Avoiding stimulants, improving sleep, treating sleep apnea, reducing alcohol, and managing stress significantly reduce premature beats for many individuals.

Treatment may include:
Beta blockers
Calcium-channel blockers
Antiarrhythmic medications
Lifestyle modifications
Catheter ablation for high-burden or symptomatic PVCs

Ablation is used when PVCs are frequent, symptomatic, or causing heart weakness. The procedure targets the focus of the PVCs. Most patients experience dramatic improvement; recovery is rapid. THREE reasons to ablate PVCs. 1) Highly symptomatic PVCS not responding to above treatments. 2) Reduced Heart Function due to PVC burden 3) Sustained VT – less common for normal hearts not releated to CAD.

General Cardiology Essentials

Foundational knowledge for heart health

CAD occurs when cholesterol plaque builds up in the arteries supplying the heart. This reduces blood flow and can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or heart attac

Symptoms may include exertional chest pressure, breathlessness, fatigue, jaw/arm pain, or nausea. Some individuals experience silent symptoms.

Heart failure is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. There are two major types, and understanding the difference is crucial.

1. Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF)
Often called “systolic heart failure.”
Definition: EF < 40%
Cause: Weakened heart muscle due to:
Coronary artery disease
Prior heart attack
Viral myocarditis
Genetic cardiomyopathy
Long-standing hypertension
Alcohol or toxin exposure
Symptoms:
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Leg swelling
Reduced exercise tolerance
Rapid weight gain from fluid retention
Treatment:
Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT):
Beta blockers
ACE inhibitors / ARBs / ARNI
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists
SGLT2 inhibitors
Diuretics to remove extra fluid
ICD for certain low EF patients
Lifestyle improvement (low salt, weight loss, exercise)
HFrEF often improves with proper treatment.

2. Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)
Also called “diastolic heart failure.”
Definition: EF ≥ 50% but symptoms still present
Cause: Stiff heart muscle leading to impaired filling.
Associated with:
High blood pressure
Obesity
Sleep apnea
Diabetes
Aging
Atrial fibrillation
Symptoms:
Similar to HFrEF:
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Fluid retention
Treatment:
Blood pressure control
Diuretics
Weight management
SGLT2 inhibitors (now proven helpful)
Treating AFib reduces symptoms dramatically
Exercise and conditioning are crucial
HFpEF is common and increasingly recognized.

3. How Heart Failure Is Diagnosed
Echocardiogram (EF, wall motion, diastolic function)
BNP blood test
EKG
Stress testing
Cardiac MRI
Cardiac catheterization (if CAD suspected)

4. Long-Term Outlook
Heart failure is manageable with the right combination of medications, lifestyle changes, monitoring, and follow-up.
Many patients stabilize or improve significantly.

A stress test evaluates how your heart responds to increased workload. It helps diagnose coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and exercise intolerance. Several types of stress tests are used, depending on your mobility, symptoms, and medical history:

1. Exercise Stress Test (Treadmill ECG Test)
This is the most common type.
You walk on a treadmill while your heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure, and symptoms are monitored.
The goal is to increase workload gradually (using the Bruce Protocol) to uncover changes in blood flow or rhythm.
Best for patients who can walk and have baseline interpretable ECGs.
What it detects:
Exercise-induced chest pain
Arrhythmias during exertion (AFib, SVT, PVCs)
Heart rate response
Blood pressure response

2. Nuclear Stress Test (Myocardial Perfusion Imaging)
This test evaluates blood flow to the heart muscle at rest and during stress. Radioactive tracer (Cardiolite/Myoview) highlights areas of low blood flow.
You may:
Walk on a treadmill, OR
Receive a medication to stimulate the heart (pharmacologic stress)
What it detects:
Blockages in coronary arteries
Areas of prior heart damage
Areas of the heart receiving less blood during stress
Overall heart function (ejection fraction)
This is more sensitive than a standard treadmill stress test.

3. Pharmacologic Stress Test (Chemical Stress Test)
Used when patients cannot exercise adequately. Medications may include:
Regadenoson (Lexiscan) — dilates heart arteries
Adenosine or Dipyridamole — increase coronary blood flow
Dobutamine — increases heart rate and contractility
What it detects:
Coronary blockages
Ischemia
Heart muscle weakness

4. Stress Echocardiogram
Combines echocardiography with exercise or medication.
Images are taken at rest and immediately after stress.
What it detects:
Wall motion abnormalities
Ischemia (reduced blood flow)
Valve disease
Exercise-induced arrhythmias

What You Should Know Before Stress Testing
Avoid eating for 2–4 hours before the test
Do not use lotions or oils on the chest
Bring comfortable shoes and clothing

Cardiac catheterization (“heart cath”) is a minimally invasive procedure used to evaluate the coronary arteries, heart pressures, and overall heart function. It is the gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease.

1. Access Sites: Radial (Wrist) vs Femoral (Groin)
Radial Access (Wrist):
Most common modern approach
Lower bleeding risk
Faster recovery
Most patients can sit up immediately
Wrist soreness is common but mild
Femoral Access (Groin):
Used if radial arteries are too small or unsuitable
Necessary for some structural heart procedures
Requires a longer period of lying flat after the procedure

2. What Happens During the Procedure
Local anesthesia is applied to numb the wrist or groin
A thin catheter is advanced through the artery to the coronary arteries
Contrast dye is injected while X-ray imaging records blood flow
Pressures in the heart chambers and aorta may be measured
If a blockage is found, balloon angioplasty and stenting may be performed

3. What the Procedure Looks For
Cardiac catheterization provides:
Exact location and severity of blockages
Blood flow patterns
Heart chamber pressures
Valve function
Presence of coronary spasm
Status of bypass grafts (if applicable)

4. Angioplasty and Stenting
If a blockage is significant, the cardiologist may:
Open the artery with a balloon
Place a stent (metal mesh scaffold) to keep it open
Use intravascular imaging (IVUS or OCT) to optimize stent placement
Stents may be drug-coated to reduce re-narrowing.

5. Risks of Cardiac Catheterization
Complication rates are low. Possible risks include:
Bleeding or bruising at access site
Arrhythmias
Contrast allergy
Kidney irritation (typically temporary)
Rarely: heart attack or stroke
Radial access significantly reduces serious complications.

6. Recovery After Heart Cath
Radial:
Band applied to wrist
Avoid heavy lifting for 48 hours
Most patients return to full activity within a day
Femoral:
Lay flat for 1–4 hours
Avoid bending at the hip
No heavy lifting for ~1 week

7. When Catheterization Is Recommended
Abnormal stress test
New or worsening chest pain
Suspected heart attack
Evaluation of heart failure
Before valve procedures
Persistent symptoms despite normal noninvasive tests

An echo evaluates heart size, valve function, wall motion, and ejection fraction. It helps diagnose heart failure, valve disease, and structural abnormalities. It is an ULTRASOUND and is done in an office setting or in the ECHO rooms at the hospital. takes about 45 minutes at most.

Controlling cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes dramatically reduces heart disease risk. Lifestyle, medications, and early screening play major roles.

You should seek evaluation if you experience chest pain, unexplained shortness of breath, fainting, palpitations, leg swelling, or abnormal test results. Early evaluation prevents complications.

STRUCTURAL HEART DISEASE

Valve disease, TAVR, MitraClip, and structural cardiology basics

Aortic stenosis (AS) occurs when the aortic valve becomes narrowed and restricts blood flow from the heart to the body. Over time, the valve leaflets become stiff, thickened, or calcified. This forces the heart to work harder, eventually leading to symptoms or heart failure.
Common causes include:
Age-related valve calcification (most common)
Congenital bicuspid aortic valve (valve has 2 leaflets instead of 3)
Rheumatic fever (rare today in the U.S.)
Prior radiation therapy to the chest
Symptoms:
Chest pressure
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or fainting
Fatigue during exertion
Once symptoms appear, treatment is strongly recommended.

Valve disease symptoms depend on which valve is involved:
Aortic Valve Symptoms:
Chest tightness
Syncope (fainting)
Fatigue
Shortness of breath with exertion
Mitral Valve Symptoms:
Heart palpitations
Shortness of breath lying down
Coughing at night
Swelling of legs or ankles
Tricuspid Valve Symptoms:
Leg swelling
Liver congestion
Abdominal fullness
Jugular vein distention
Symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over years.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure that replaces a narrowed aortic valve without open-heart surgery.
How TAVR Works:
A new valve is delivered through a catheter (usually from the leg artery).
It expands inside the old valve and begins working immediately.
Most patients go home in 1–2 days.
Compared with Surgery:
Faster recovery
Lower risk of stroke and bleeding in many patients
No large chest incision
Usually no heart-lung machine required
TAVR is recommended for patients with moderate to severe aortic stenosis based on anatomy and risk profile.

Mitral regurgitation (MR) occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak backward into the left atrium.
Two Types:
Primary MR — valve leaflets or chords are damaged
Secondary MR — due to heart enlargement or heart failure
Symptoms:
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Reduced exercise ability
Palpitations
Untreated MR can lead to heart enlargement, arrhythmias (including AFib), and heart failure.

MitraClip (also called TEER — Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair) is a minimally invasive treatment for mitral regurgitation. Instead of open-heart surgery, a clip is delivered through a vein and attached to the mitral valve to reduce leakage.
Best For:
Patients with severe MR who are not good surgical candidates
Patients with heart failure-related MR
Elderly patients or those with multiple medical conditions
Benefits:
No chest incision
Short hospital stay
Immediate improvement in symptoms for many patients

Valve disease evaluation includes:
Echocardiogram:
Primary tool to measure valve structure and severity.
Stress Echo:
Assesses how the valve performs during exertion.
Cardiac CT:
Used for TAVR planning and calcium scoring.
Cardiac Catheterization:
Measures pressures and determines if coronary disease coexists.
Symptoms & Physical Exam:
Still essential for diagnosis.

Structural valve disease can progress over years. Symptoms of worsening disease include:
Increasing shortness of breath
Chest pressure or heaviness
Lightheadedness or fainting
Reduced stamina
Swelling in legs or abdomen
Waking at night short of breath
Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
If symptoms worsen suddenly, urgent evaluation is needed.

Recovery varies by procedure:
After TAVR:
1–2 day hospital stay
Walking the same day
Return to normal activity in 1–2 weeks
Minimal pain compared to surgery
After MitraClip:
Overnight stay
Immediate reduction in MR symptoms for most
Avoid heavy lifting for 1 week
After Valve Surgery:
4–6 weeks recovery
More fatigue and incision healing
Cardiac rehab strongly recommended

VASCULAR DISEASE & CIRCULATION DISORDERS

PAD, aneurysms, venous disease, carotids

PAD occurs when arteries supplying the legs become narrowed due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). Reduced blood flow causes:
Cramping pain with walking
Leg fatigue
Weak pulses
Slow wound healing
PAD is strongly linked to smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Common signs include:
Leg pain during walking (claudication)
Cold feet or toes
Numbness or tingling
Color changes in the skin
Shiny or hairless skin
Sores that don’t heal
Weak or absent pulses
These symptoms may indicate PAD or venous insufficiency.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement of the aorta, the main artery supplying blood to the body.
Key facts:
Usually silent until large
Screening recommended for men 65–75 with a smoking history
Risk of rupture increases with aneurysm size
Symptoms (rare until severe):
Pulsating abdominal sensation
Back or abdominal pain

The carotid arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Plaque buildup can lead to:
Stroke
Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Sudden vision loss
Weakness on one side of the body
Speech difficulty
Diagnosis is made using carotid ultrasound or CTA/MRA imaging.

Venous insufficiency occurs when the leg veins cannot push blood effectively back to the heart. Valve failure leads to:
Leg swelling
Varicose veins
Aching or tired legs
Skin discoloration
Itching or ulcers
Risk factors: age, obesity, pregnancy, prolonged standing.

Vascular evaluation includes:
Ultrasound (Doppler):
Checks blood flow in arteries or veins.
ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index):
Compares leg and arm blood pressures.
CTA or MRA:
Shows detailed artery maps; detects blockages or aneurysms.
Angiography:
Gold standard, often combined with treatment.

PAD Treatment:
Exercise therapy
Smoking cessation
Statins and antiplatelets
Stenting or angioplasty if severe
AAA Treatment:
Monitoring (ultrasound every 6–12 months)
Surgery when >5.5 cm
Endovascular repair (EVAR) for eligible patients

Avoid smoking
Regular walking program
Foot care for diabetics
Treat high blood pressure and cholesterol
Healthy diet
Weight loss
Hydration
Compression stockings (for venous disease)
These lifestyle changes dramatically reduce progressio

HIGH-YIELD HEART SYMPTOMS

What you may be feeling and is it heart related?

Palpitations may be caused by:
AFib
SVT
PACs or PVCs
Anxiety
Stress
Dehydration
Caffeine or alcohol
Thyroid imbalance
Most palpitations are benign, but persistent or symptomatic episodes should be evaluated.

Chest tightness can originate from:
Cardiac causes:
Coronary artery disease
Aortic stenosis
Arrhythmias
Pericarditis
Non-cardiac causes:
Muscle strain
Anxiety
GERD
Lung conditions
Chest pain with exertion requires evaluation.

Shortness of breath (dyspnea) may be due to:
Cardiac causes:
Heart failure
AFib with rapid rate
Valve disease
Coronary artery disease
PVC burden or arrhythmias during exertion
Pulmonary causes:
COPD
Asthma
Pulmonary embolism
Pneumonia
Cardiac dyspnea often worsens when lying flat or at night.

Cardiac causes:
Heart failure
Tricuspid valve disease
Pulmonary hypertension
Vascular causes:
Venous insufficiency
DVT
Other causes:
Kidney disease
Medications (calcium-channel blockers)
Low protein levels
Persistent swelling requires evaluation.

Dizziness can occur from:
Cardiac causes:
Arrhythmias (AFib, SVT, VT)
Low blood pressure
Aortic stenosis
Heart failure
Other causes:
Dehydration
Anemia
Inner ear disorders
Medications
When it’s serious:
Dizziness with chest pain, palpitations, fainting, or weakness warrants urgent evaluation.

A normal ECG means:
The heart rhythm is regular
No electrical abnormalities appear
No signs of heart attack, conduction disease, or arrhythmias
BUT:
Some conditions do not always show up on a standard ECG, including:
Intermittent AFib
SVT
PVCs
Coronary artery disease
Valve disease
This is why monitoring and imaging are often needed

A high heart rate may be caused by:
SVT
AFib with rapid rate
Fever or infection
Dehydration
Anxiety
Thyroid disease
Heart rates over 120 bpm at rest should be evaluated, particularly when symptomatic.

Seek urgent care if you experience:
Chest pain
Severe shortness of breath
Fainting or near fainting
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Swelling with weight gain
Neurologic symptoms (weakness or speech changes)
Sudden severe fatigue
These symptoms may indicate arrhythmia, coronary disease, valve disease, PE, stroke, or heart failure.

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MORE POPULAR PATIENT GUIDES

Learn About Common Procedures

Heart Failure Basics

Understand the causes, symptoms, medications, and long-term management of heart failure.

Chest Pain: What It Means

A practical guide to causes of chest pain, ER vs clinic decisions, and testing.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Symptoms, testing, ABI/PVR, treatment options, and when intervention is needed.

DVT & Pulmonary Embolism

How blood clots form, warning signs, testing, and treatment strategies.

Valve Disease: AS, AR, MR, TR, MS

Causes, symptoms, testing, valve anatomy basics, and when treatment is needed..

Arrhythmias Explained

AFib, SVT, PVCs, VT, and other rhythm disorders explained in simple, understandable language.

MORE POPULAR PATIENT GUIDES

Learn About Devices – Pacemakers, ICDs, Defibrilators, Loop implants (ILR), Watchman/Amulte (LAA closure)

Heart Failure Basics

Understand the causes, symptoms, medications, and long-term management of heart failure.

Chest Pain: What It Means

A practical guide to causes of chest pain, ER vs clinic decisions, and testing.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Symptoms, testing, ABI/PVR, treatment options, and when intervention is needed.

DVT & Pulmonary Embolism

How blood clots form, warning signs, testing, and treatment strategies.

Valve Disease: AS, AR, MR, TR, MS

Causes, symptoms, testing, valve anatomy basics, and when treatment is needed..

Arrhythmias Explained

AFib, SVT, PVCs, VT, and other rhythm disorders explained in simple, understandable language.