Linq monitor

[12string]

My cardiologist suggested implanting the Linq monitor, As a better way of getting real time heart data. I've only had two A-Fib episodes and no other known heart issues. Anyone, familiar with this device. Seems like a no brainer.

[scotcitz]

I think the Linq might be good. However, if you have only had 2 Afib episodes have you considered wearing a Fitbit with a heart rate monitor and learning to monitor your pulse so you can tell? It won't pick up very short episodes but it is easy to tell if you're in Afib through these measures. The problem is no matter what you probably need to be on blood thinners no matter what to mitigate stroke risk.

[12string in reply to scotcitz]

Tks, good info. I am on thinners.

[scotcitz in reply to 12string]

So it kind of gets down to how often you actually have Afib (and hence whether any kind of mitigation would be worth it). I faced this same dilemma and I'm just like you -- twice in Afib over 5 years with no other heart issues (my Mom had it like that too though so it wasn't a huge weirdness to me -- but it went undiagnosed in her until a big stroke). And I'm in my 50s, which is young for this (emergency room nurse thought I was not the afib patient due to age LOL). My cardiologist was the one who suggested the Fitbit HR and that, with my trusty $15 stethoscope, some Googling on how to listen for afib heart sounds, and taking my pulse have kept me (pretty) happy about it. I also take Diltiziam, decided I didn't need it ofter 3 years and then got my 2nd Afib for 24 hours ... So I guess the question is what data are you looking for? And what would be the action? I have a feeling that you're pretty clued-up so you could monitor this fairly effectively maybe the way I do? Of course, it's not as detailed etc but one thing I have found is that a sustained afib rhythm is easy to detect once you know what to look for (and I don't know why don't help patients help themselves more ... instead of just terrifying us etc ... you don't need an ECG to know you have afib ... )

[12string in reply to scotcitz]

Amen, brother. You don't need a weatherman to tell you which way the wind blows. Lol

[CaroleF]

I have had a Mediotronic LINQ reveal device since May 2016. The procedure to insert it was quick, simple and pain-free. It causes me no discomfort and I don't even know it's there. The data from the device is transmitted electronically to a base (in the USA I believe) every 24 hours. My local cardiology unit will contact me if the data reveals any cause for concern. That has happened only once since last May.

The device costs (the NHS) £1.5k I believe and if you are offered one I would leap at the chance particularly if you are asymptomatic and have paroxysmal AF as I do.

If you are not in the UK and have to pay for the device etc yourself then I guess other forms of data collection might be seen as preferable.

[12string in reply to CaroleF]

I'm in the US and it is covered. Cardiologist recommended and I an waiting to see what the EP thinks.

[CaroleF in reply to 12string]

Then if your insurance covers the cost of the device, the procedure to insert it and any subsequent charges relating to processing the data I really can't see why one would not wish to have one. Unless, of course, you would prefer to know on a daily basis what your heart is doing in which case I suppose a device that you control yourself is the way to go.

For me the LINQ device, together with an anti-coagulant, provides a certain peace of mind. From the point of view of a cardiologist or EP I assume it's very helpful since they have (remote) access to as much of your data as they need/want and are then in a good position to determine the best course of treatment for you.

[scotcitz]

This is what I love about this forum. I actually didn't know about LINQ and I live in the US where supposedly they tell you these things (not, by the way). Right now I am happy with the external monitoring via the FitBitHR etc but it's a good thing to consider as my heart ages and/or symptoms increase. Since I'm already on blood thinners that might mean ablation (or hopefully they'll get more precise about things/better procedures in future years).