Loop recorder

Does a loop recorder pick up any rhythm abnormalities or does it get programmed to pick up certain ones?

[JaneFinn]

Mine was programmed only to automatically pick up specific arrhythmias, within certain parameters set by the technician. (So it can be different for different people/circumstances.) For instance, in my case, they set the parameters so no ectopics were picked up, as the loop recorder would be forever recording unnecessarily. Also not to pick up arrhythmia of any kind unless sustained over a certain amount of time. The parameters can be adjusted any time.

However, you can activate it yourself at any time to record anything at all that feels odd - which they then analyse.

I feel very thankful to have had a loop recorder x

[Deb1838]

Can someone enlighten me to what a loop recorder is. Thank you

[Fazerboy in reply to Deb1838]

It is an implant that goes in your chest. Mine is about 35mm long and 4mm diameter. Mine records 8 minutes worth of heart rate (on a loop, ie it keeps overwriting itself). Mine is set to record automatically if my hr drops below 30 or goes over 170. I can also get it to record by pressing a keyfob device. The data can then be sent to the cardiology team where they can look at the data.

[Deb1838]

Thank you Fazer

[Gowers]

Loop recorders are brilliant. I have had mine for 18months & they can stay in for up to 3years. Thanks to having one fitted my af was picked up whereas ecg/24hr holter didn't. Feel very fortunate to have one fitted

[LMor in reply to Gowers]

Hi Gowers. I’ve had my loop recorder since December and it is very uncomfortable at times. I can’t lay on my tummy without it all pressing against my ribs and causing discomfort. It also sticks out of my skin. I have no experience of what it should be like so can I ask you if yours is the same and that’s how they are meant to be? Sorry to interrupt Hiddens post 😬

[Gowers in reply to LMor]

I've had no problems - forget it's there to be honest!