Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in the United States and one of the leading causes of stroke. Because AFib often causes no obvious symptoms, many patients don’t know they have it until it’s detected during a routine evaluation or cardiac screening test.
At Cardiovascular Group, our board-certified cardiologists and electrophysiology specialists offer comprehensive atrial fibrillation testing across Gwinnett County and the Atlanta metro to accurately diagnose your condition, identify its underlying cause, and build a treatment plan tailored to you. Some tests are completed in-office in minutes. Others involve wearing a heart monitor for days or weeks to capture your heart’s rhythm over time. Either way, our goal is the same: to give you and your doctor the full picture of your heart’s electrical activity through our cardiac diagnosis services.
We don’t just diagnose and treat a condition. We listen to you and build a treatment plan around your heart condition and needs, considering the whole person, your life right now, and your heart health for the future.
Who Should Be Tested for Atrial Fibrillation in Gwinnett County?
AFib doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms, but when it does, they deserve prompt evaluation. You may benefit from atrial fibrillation testing if you are experiencing any of the following:
- A fluttering, racing, or pounding sensation in your chest (heart palpitations)
- An irregular or skipped heartbeat
- Unexplained shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Unusual fatigue or a general feeling that something isn’t right with your heart
Even without symptoms, AFib screening may be recommended if you have known risk factors, including high blood pressure, heart valve disease, a history of heart failure, sleep apnea, diabetes, or a family history of arrhythmia. Adults over 65 are also at significantly elevated risk.
If your primary care physician has detected an irregular heartbeat during a routine exam, or if you’ve already been diagnosed with AFib and need further evaluation, CVG’s board-certified cardiologists in Gwinnett County can provide the comprehensive diagnostic workup needed to guide your care.
AFib Diagnostic Tests at CVG
Cardiovascular Group is dedicated to one goal: keeping your heart healthy so you can live the life you want. Our experienced Georgia heart doctors and cardiologists guide you through every stage of your cardiovascular care, from identifying risk factors and diagnosing conditions to creating a personalized treatment plan and supporting your long-term recovery.
Electrocardiogram (EKG / ECG)
An EKG is usually the first step in evaluating a suspected arrhythmia. It records the electrical activity of your heart in real time and can detect an irregular rhythm if AFib is present at the time of the test. EKGs are quick, painless, and available in-office at every CVG cardiology center across Gwinnett County and the Atlanta metro area.
Holter Monitor
A Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that continuously records your heart’s electrical activity over 24 to 48 hours. It is used when AFib is suspected but not captured during an in-office EKG, providing your cardiologist with a much longer window of heart rhythm data to analyze.
Event Monitor
An event monitor is worn for a longer period — typically several weeks — and records heart activity either continuously or when triggered by symptoms. It is particularly useful for patients with infrequent episodes of palpitations or irregular heartbeat that a Holter monitor may miss.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and function. For AFib patients, it helps identify underlying causes such as heart valve disease, an enlarged heart, or reduced heart function that may be contributing to the arrhythmia.
Electrophysiology (EP) Study
For complex or difficult-to-diagnose cases, an electrophysiology study provides a detailed map of the heart’s electrical system. CVG’s electrophysiology specialists in Gwinnett County use EP studies to pinpoint the exact origin of abnormal electrical signals and determine whether a procedure such as catheter ablation is appropriate.
Blood Tests
Blood tests help rule out thyroid disease, electrolyte imbalances, and other systemic conditions that can trigger or worsen AFib. They are typically ordered as part of a comprehensive AFib workup.
What to Expect at Your AFib Evaluation at CVG
Small electrode pads are placed on the chest, shoulders, and arms during an electrocardiogram. The electrodes record heartbeat patterns and portray them on a strip of paper.
AFib testing may be conducted by wearing a heart monitor that records heartbeat patterns longer than ECGs. Heart monitors include either event monitors, worn for several weeks and recording continuously during episodes, or Holter monitors, which can record for days and provide a continuous recording of heart activity.
You may undergo other AFib tests, including an echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create a moving image of the heart, showing the valves and chambers’ size, shape, and functionality. Other tests include transesophageal echocardiograms, which provide more detail than standard echocardiograms, blood tests, and nuclear imaging.
AFib Treatment Options at CVG
Once your AFib diagnosis is confirmed and your cardiologist has a full picture of your heart rhythm, the next step is building your treatment plan. CVG offers a full range of AFib treatment options tailored to your specific type of AFib, your symptoms, and your overall health throughout Gwinnett County, GA.
Medication Management
For many patients, AFib is managed with rate-control or rhythm-control medications, often combined with anticoagulants to reduce stroke risk.
Catheter Ablation
Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that targets and eliminates the abnormal electrical signals causing your AFib, offering the potential for lasting rhythm control.
Electrical Cardioversion
Electrical cardioversion uses a brief, controlled electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. It is most commonly used for patients with recent-onset AFib or those preparing for ablation.
Watchman Implant Procedure
For AFib patients at elevated stroke risk who cannot safely take long-term blood thinners, the Watchman device offers an alternative approach to stroke prevention without ongoing anticoagulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Atrial Fibrillation Testing, also known as cardiac ablation testing, is a procedure used to treat cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. It is performed by guiding a thin tube to the heart, which uses energy to create tiny scars in the heart tissue. This is done to block abnormal electrical signals and restore a normal heart rhythm. The procedure typically takes two to four hours, and the patient is given medication to relax. Whether the patient is conscious during the procedure depends on the individual case.
Yes, if AFib is present at the time of the test, an EKG can detect it. However, because AFib is often intermittent, a single EKG may be normal even in patients who do have the condition. In these cases, extended monitoring with a Holter monitor or event monitor is used to capture the irregular rhythm over a longer period. CVG offers both in-office EKGs and extended heart monitoring across all Gwinnett County and Atlanta metro locations.
Common AFib symptoms include heart palpitations, an irregular or racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance. However, some patients experience no symptoms at all, which is why regular cardiovascular screening with a CVG cardiologist in Gwinnett County is important for patients with known risk factors.
In many cases, you can contact CVG directly to schedule an evaluation at any location in Gwinnett County, GA. However, some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care physician. We recommend contacting your nearest CVG location to confirm your specific insurance requirements before your appointment.
An in-office EKG takes only a few minutes. An echocardiogram typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Holter and event monitors are worn at home for days or weeks. Your cardiologist will recommend the right combination of tests based on your symptoms and medical history and will explain what to expect at your first visit.
Once your diagnosis is confirmed, your CVG cardiologist will discuss your treatment options with you, which may range from medication management to minimally invasive procedures such as catheter ablation or the Watchman implant. You will never be rushed into a decision. Our team will make sure you fully understand your condition and feel confident in your care plan before moving forward.
Why Choose CVG for Your AFib Evaluation in Gwinnett County
CVG’s electrophysiology team includes board-certified cardiologists with specialized training in heart rhythm disorders, the same specialists who perform advanced procedures like catheter ablation and electrophysiology studies when needed. With 11 cardiology centers across Gwinnett County and the Atlanta metro, and in-office diagnostic technology available at every CVG office, getting an accurate AFib diagnosis has never been more accessible.
Trust your heart rhythm health to a team that has been caring for Georgia patients since 1982.
Schedule An AFib Evaluation in Gwinnett County & Atlanta Metro
CVG’s team of board-certified cardiologists is ready to help you understand your heart rhythm and take the right next step. To schedule an AFib evaluation at your nearest CVG location, call us or request an appointment online.
If you are experiencing chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or symptoms of a stroke, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Do not use this website in an emergency.
Lawrenceville (Main Office)
Buford
Loganville
2200 Medical Center Blvd, Suite 400
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770.758.7482 | 770.290.8084
2800 Buford Drive, Suite 320
Buford, GA 30519
770.962.0399 | 770.290.8084
98 Tara Commons
Loganville, GA 30052
770.962.0399 | 770.290.8084