What is the primary method used to diagnose premature atrial contraction?

The primary method used to diagnose premature atrial contraction (PAC) is the electrocardiogram (EKG). This is because an EKG records the electrical activity of the heart and provides a graphical representation of heart rhythms over time. In the case of PACs, the EKG will show an early atrial contraction, which appears as an abnormal P wave occurring before the expected beat.

Blood tests, chest X-rays, and physical examinations may be useful in assessing overall heart health or identifying other cardiovascular issues, but they do not directly provide the specific electrical activity data needed to diagnose PACs. The EKG is uniquely suited to pinpointing these early atrial contractions due to its ability to capture and analyze the heart's electrical impulses in real-time. Thus, it is the essential tool for diagnosing PACs accurately.