A routine EKG typically takes only a few minutes and can be performed in a doctor's office. a 24-hour ambulatory EKG requires the patient to wear a portable EKG device that records heart signals for up to a day. A cardiac ultrasound, which uses ultrasound to visualize the structure and function of the heart, usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. A cardiac catheterization, in which a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel to look directly inside the heart, can take several hours.
Overall, an atrial fibrillation test can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the test method and the patient's condition. It is recommended that you consult your doctor or healthcare provider for more accurate information.