What test is commonly used to diagnose Atrial Fibrillation?

The most commonly used test to diagnose Atrial Fibrillation is an EKG, or electrocardiogram. This test records the electrical activity of the heart over a period and provides a visual representation of the heart's rhythm. Atrial Fibrillation is characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate, which can be easily identified on an EKG through its typical patterns, including the absence of distinct P waves and an irregularly spaced rhythm.

While a chest X-ray can be helpful in ruling out other issues with the heart or lungs, it does not provide the specificity needed to diagnose Atrial Fibrillation. Cardiac MRI is a more advanced imaging technique used for detailed structural evaluation of the heart, but it is not a primary diagnostic tool for Atrial Fibrillation. Similarly, an echocardiogram can assess heart structure and function, and although it may show the effects of Atrial Fibrillation, it is not typically used solely for diagnosis. An EKG remains the definitive and standard test for diagnosing this arrhythmia.