Linq heart monitor

Im seriously thinking of letting my cardiologist put an implantable monitor in. Battery lasts 3 yr. Soliciting opinions good or bad? Im seeking to see if Im having asymptomatic a fib. I know the second my a fib starts and stops and have pushed for PIP, but just found out a large percentage of symptomatic a fib people also have asymptomatic a fib... not what I was wanting to hear.

[BobD Volunteer]

When you say "letting" do you mean that they want to implant the loop recorder or is this something you thought would be a good idea.

Yes lots of people are asymptomatic but they are usually permanent and their AF has crept up on them unannounced as it were. In fact many are not even aware they have AF until it is found during routine testing or sadly when they have a stroke.

If you are worried about the stroke possibility and are not taking anticoagulants then there is a simple solution. Take them. Otherwise I'm guessing that you wish to stop your anti-arrythmic drugs full time and only take them when you think that you have an event? This would be fine provided that you are anticoagulated which as I am sure you will know is a good idea for anybody with AF.

Regarding the implant in general I have never had one as I was so symptomatic but as far as pros are concerned they can diagnose AF or other arrhythmias which may not show up on normal ECGs. I think the most obvious con is infection. I read of implant site infections quite often and personally would not want to go that route unless really necessary.

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

This was my idea. My thinking is that it would put an end to his and my disagreement regarding the safety of PIP, hopefully proving I am not having a fib I am unaware of. I too am very symptomatic when I have episodes. I dont see him til sept, so wont rush this decision. Infection is a valid concern. I am on xarelto full time now that Im 65 and a female, plus a little hypertension has decided to join the game!!! Thanks always for your input.

[CDreamer in reply to Hidden]

I tend to agree with Bob - I’m waiting on a pacemaker and told risk of infection was 20%. I would have thought that infection in your heart is a heavy price to pay to prove a point. Whether or not you are in AFib doesn’t really matter surely if you aren’t symptomatic. Treatment is only for quality of life and not prolonging life, so we are told.

The more I read about pharma influencing prescribing - the more wary I become about taking none essential drugs - of course you can argue what is and not ‘essential’.

[Hidden in reply to CDreamer]

The linq monitor is inserted just below the skin, not into muscle or near heart so not as invasive as pacemaker. I have " mild" sick sinus and have been told a pacemaker is in my distant future, but not crossing that bridge today. As a nurse for 43 yr, Im suprised infection rate is that high. I can only remember two severe pocket infections requiring removal of pacemaker and those were in smokers.

[Aprilbday in reply to CDreamer]

CD

Do you take supplements? If so, how do they help, and do they interfere with the A-Fib medicine? I am interested in your concern about the pharma-influence and share those concerns. But also appreciate medications that help alleviate problems. I read that we are living longer because of such drugs.

[CDreamer in reply to Aprilbday]

Hi April and yes I take supplements. I am currently working with a friend and a GP to promote educational talks about Functional Medicine. And yes I believe we are living longer than in previous eras and modern drugs play a part in that - but I also think that longer life (backed by good statistical evidence on changing demographics) is largely due to a decrease in infectious diseases, the eradication of diseases such as smallpox, TB, polio, scarlet fever, measles etc - Largely due to mass population vaccination programmes which unfortunately are beginning to creep back in because of fears about vaccination prevent parents from vaccinating their children - so it is definately a double edged sword.

I remember children in my class at school having some of these diseases and 3 out of a class of 35 dying of them before the age of 10. I also remember the travelling TB - X-ray vans and being taught good hygiene practices etc, etc. Antibiotics has saved many lives but it has also left us complacent and careless about spreading infections and also detrimental to the gut biodome.

The culture and climate has changed considerably since those times and large companies operate for profit have huge marketing budgets and often influence GP prescribing through government in subtle but effective ways and having worked for one of these companies I witnessed this happenin. I would suggest you research and I found good place to start is Dr Malcom Kendrick’s book - Doctoring Data link to his website -

drmalcolmkendrick.org/

Scroll down the page and you may be interested in a video link of a speech given to the EU Parliament on this very subject - it’s unfortunately long but quite worthwhile persevering for at least the first half hour.

Also improvements in hygiene, living conditions and also the changing working environment - more health and safer environments especially in dangerous occupations such as mining, manufacturing and agriculture = less occupational related diseases over the last 100 years are the main contributors to increasing life span.

But we now face very different challenges, obesity, heart disease, diebetes and increasing rates of cancer, often self- inflicted type diseases through very poor lifestyles, along with people living with multiple conditions - treated by up to 10 different specialist who all prescribe with no-one taking an overview - unless it is the informed patient! I think in one week last year I saw 4 consultants in differing specialities who only focussed on their speciality - only looking at medications with no interest or questions in lifestyle. I think i got more than a little irate when given dietary (out of date and incorrect) advice from an obese nurse.

Problem, as I see it, is too many pills, too often prescribed with too little time for patient consultations - ie 10 minutes.

And yes I take supplements - but I do so through recommendation of a professional nutritionist and supervision by a GP in my practice - who happens to be a trained in Functional Medicine so I have blood tests and stool tests so that I know and track my numbers and aim for optimum, not just disease free minimum values.

Lifestyle changes should be a first, not last resort for health and wellbeing and that is why I am working with a governor of our local hospital and this GP on a series of educational talks on Functional Medicine - with specialist speakers of the 4 disciplines - Nutrition, Movement & Exercise, Sleep and Stress reduction.

I think medicine and drugs can improve our wellbeing but they can also destroy our quality of life and you would only have to search Bisoprolol, Amiodarone and Sotalol to view posts from forum members where medications have not helped but actually harmed.

It’s a very complex issue with no absolutes.

Best wishes

[Aprilbday in reply to CDreamer]

Cd-I truly appreciate this informative and expressive response. I am going to read further.

As Alice in Wonderland exclaimed, “This place gets “curiouser” and “curiouser”😆

[Hidden in reply to CDreamer]

One of our ER docs did an internship with Dr Andrew Weil and now has a very busy integrative medicine clinic locally. I saw his nurse practitioner early in my a fib and she was so helpful in every way. Im going to see that doc in sept and see if he can help me figure out what is in my best interest re all the meds, etc

[CDreamer in reply to Hidden]

I think that very wise - you need someone with knowledge of medical and wider lifestyle disciplines to help you work out what may be in your overall best interest.

[Hidden in reply to CDreamer]

Im anxious to see him as he doesnt have a horse in this cardiology race. He is a very nice guy, his wife teaches whole food cookkng. They are all about good health and got me going on relaxation etc.

[Buffafly]

Why not have a 7 day monitor first, I thought the implanted monitor was for people who are only suspected of having AF or other probs but can't prove it.

[Hidden in reply to Buffafly]

That is a good idea. Thankyou!

[Hidden]

My EP has offered but Im fearful of ablation. If a fib was more problemstic, I probably would be more receptive. Over 2 1/2 yr Ive managed with PIP and have had 4-5 episodes lasting an average of 3 hours. Problem is last one went 12 hours and both docs insisted I take daily meds which I did but am returning to PIP at my request. My unanswered wuestion is could I b having asymptomatic a fib and very symptomatic a fib? If yes, then I think I would b more inclined to do something more about it.

[doodle68 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Hoski I would say yes in answer to your question. I have both.

I always thought I knew when I had P-AF because my symptoms were so severe but I found out by accident when asked to monitor and record my blood pressure that I also have a silent form of P-AF because the BP monitor was recording an irregular heart beat and this was confirmed when I checked my pulse.

[Hidden in reply to doodle68]

That is my fear which doesnt help my argument in support of PIP. Thankyou, good to know.

[doodle68 in reply to Hidden]

...Hoski my theory with which the doctor agrees is that the beta blockers and maybe lifestyle changes are doing their job of lowering my heart rate (and blood pressure) so that I no longer feel so ill during episodes and because of this I am only aware of severe episodes not minor ones which is good, I can live with that.

I have refused an ablation although I am aware my P-AF may progress to be permanent. Any treatment is about the quality of life (QOL) not cure and I feel mine is ok just now without further intervention that could make my QOL worse.

I don't take a PIP, I haven't been offered one and feel they are a last resort as my episodes only last 15 hours max so far.

[Hidden in reply to doodle68]

So your a fib stops without rhythm drug? I like that. Im on small dose of beta blocker and xarelto, which dont worry me. I am making more aggressive life style changes now .

[doodle68 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Hoski at this time I have only been prescribed anticoagulation ( Apixaban) and a rate control drug, a beta blocker Nebivolol no rhythm control.

I was getting regular symptomatic episodes of P-AF lasting up to 15 hours but fortunately they terminated on their own. As I said I only get the occasional one now and the little asymptomatic episodes .

I would only resort to a PIP if my symptomatic episodes started to cause me bigger problems like lasting more than 24 hours and my heart rate was getting out of hand again indicating the AF was progressing but I feel at this time I don't need them. I am not in any hurry to take any more potent medication, that is something to keep in reserve . AF is for a lifetime now and at the moment I am concentrating on helping my body to cope with AF through diet/exercise/relaxation/avoiding stress. Hopefully I may be able to delay the progression of AF and avoid starting on more medication too soon.

My main concern has been covered, the stroke risk, nothing I do or take will mean I can avoid anticoagulation. Anything else I do take now is about QOL and if that is reasonable I see no point to risk changing that.

[Hidden in reply to doodle68]

You and I are on the same page. It is comforting to me that someone else has the same thoughts as I fight the old anxiety monster and self doubt is not my friend. Thankyou💜

[CDreamer in reply to Hidden]

And the real question for me would be am I better or worse on meds? If you know that it keeps AF away and thereby your QOL is improved fine, take the daily dose.

I decided I am far worse on drugs so just said no. I’ve had 2 ablations, was on PIP - AFib broke through - daily drugs - AFib broke through and I felt ill EVERY day instead of just the days when I was in AFib.

Remember that you have the right to refuse a treatment - no rights to demand one - but you can refuse.

But then I don’t worry about being in AF anymore.

[Hidden in reply to CDreamer]

Thats the mind set I hope to achieve! Being a retired RN with anxiety likes to muddy my waters that I am swimming thru😂. This forum helps me " think out loud" and the input helps me settle my questions and doubts tremendously. If truth be told... my husband probably is the main bennefactor of me getting support from this forum... as he probably grows weary of listening to me vascilate back and forth on my questions, lol.