A method is provided for detecting whether a patient is likely experiencing a cardiac arrhythmia. The method includes acquiring baseline ECG samples that exhibit an arrhythmia that is to be detected, and a baseline arrhythmia-free ECG sample. Each acquired baseline ECG sample is manipulated to determine an equation that describes a reconstructed phase space related to the sample. Next, an ECG sample to be tested is acquired, and a reconstructed phase space is mapped. Finally, it is determined which of the equations most accurately describes the reconstructed phase space of the ECG sample to be tested.