Implantable Loop Recorder: Because I... - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

32,400 members38,735 posts

Implantable Loop Recorder

rothwell profile image
7 Replies

Because I had expressed concerns to my GP about frequent episodes of AFa few months ago he wrote to my Electrophysiologist/ Cardiologist. I eventually had an appointment with himlast week (first time since my second failed ablation in 2019). He has suggested that I have an Implantable Loop Recorder fitted (this can remain in place for 3 years apparently) with the aim of maybe a third ablation. Having looked this up on our AF website it appears that there are two problems with this. One is the need to inform the DVLA and possible effect on driving licence and the other is the constant refusal of travel insurance. I would be grateful if anyone can tell me their experience with Thist type of heart rate. recorder.

Thank you

Written by
rothwell profile image
rothwell
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
7 Replies
CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

Mmmm… - you have to inform DVLA but that shouldn’t stop you driving unless your doctor has told you that you should not drive or you are having symptoms such as dizziness or feeling faint. It will be the underlying condition, not the implant itself, which will influence your travel insurance and your ability to drive. May I suggest you look at the BHF leaflet -

bhf.org.uk/informationsupport

Sorry I have no personal experience of this, only living with a pacemaker which made no difference to my driving or travel insurance.

JaneFinn profile image
JaneFinn

Yes, I echo what CDreamer says here, in my own experience it’s the underlying condition or symptoms that would be the issue, not the Implanted Loop Recorder. I’ve had 2 of them and neither time have they affected my driving licence, or my travel insurance. I’ve only ever had the standard insurance through my bank and notified them of my conditions and any ongoing treatments.

I realise that people often can’t get insurance if they are awaiting or undergoing current tests, so I wonder if a problem for some people happens if the ILR is viewed as ongoing testing? That’s not been my experience. I’ve explained the ILR as being a permanent monitoring device for my AF, and no one has seen it (so far) as an issue. (Much like a diabetic might have a permanent monitoring device, perhaps?) If it were to identify new and more dangerous arrhythmia it might change things regarding both driving and travel insurance, but once again that is more about the condition and symptoms than the monitoring itself.

Might be worth just ringing your holiday insurance to ask, if you’re worried?

From my own experience, I can only say how lucky you are to be offered an ILR - and I’d grab the opportunity with both hands! Good luck :)

David21 profile image
David21

I had a LR put in 6 months ago but the need to inform DVLA has never been mentioned - suddenly I am concerned about this. Am I to be penalised for my silence? Many thanks again for the support that is always shown on this site

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply toDavid21

I very much doubt it as it seems only applies if you have an ICD (implantable cardiac defibrillator) for a serious Arrythmia. Normally it’s a tick box exercise for arrhythmias which you do online, in fact I couldn’t find anything for sub-cutaneous Loop Monitor, only notifying DVLA if you have an Arrythmia.

Arrhythmia ✘- Must not drive if arrhythmia has caused or is likely to cause incapacity.

Driving may resume without DVLA notification only after:

■ underlying cause has been identified

■ arrhythmia is controlled for at least 4 weeks

Must notify DVLA if there are symptoms that are likely to cause incapacity and/or the arrhythmia is not controlled for at least 4 weeks, and an underlying cause has not been identified.

For the purposes of this guidance ‘incapacity’ is defined as any condition, symptom or treatment that is likely to cause an individual to be unable to safely control or stop a vehicle.

David21 profile image
David21 in reply toCDreamer

Phew - Many thanks for this

quanglewangle profile image
quanglewangle

I have had AF since around 2010 that progressed to permanent somewhere along the way. following some episodes of weakness I was given an ILR and this detected occasional heart stoppages of up to 14 seconds that coincided with faints and a blackout - hence a pacemaker and I am now on my second (they are replaced 7-10 years when the continuous monitoring shows it is time. The ILR was also monitored remotely and was removed at the same time as the pacemaker was inserted.

While the faints were happening I stopped driving and was cautious when crossing the road, but as already advised in other comments simply having an ILR or pacemaker should not stop you driving or travelling as long as you notify the appropriate people. The whole purpose of pacemakers and Defibrillator pacemakers is that we can continue to function normally and I guess the same applies to diabetes control devices. The ILR like an intelligent watch simply monitors what is going on and is irrelevant until or unless something awry is detected.....

timetabler profile image
timetabler

I had a Loop Recorder fitted [it was simple op, done by a technician rather than surgeon] because of queries about whether my heart was sometimes stopping.

The data from that gadget showed that I needed a PaceMaker [which was fitted by a surgeon this time, quite soon afterwards].

I think (the data from) the Loop Recorder probably saved my life.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

implantable loop recorder

Hello, My cardiologist has advised I have an implantable loop recorder as it has been picked up on...
Aries17 profile image

Seeking advise about an implantable loop recorder.

I am a 72 year old male in good health. I had persistent AFIB for many years – probably caused by...
kurtgv profile image

loop recorder

I am being asked by an EP/ cardiologist to have them implant a loop recorder to monitor my heart...
execz1 profile image

Loop recorder incoming

Hi all, due to my recent bouts of palpitations that are getting progressively worse I've been...

Linq Loop Recorder and Event Monitor?

Hi: I had my first cryo ablation done 1 year ago but am still having strange problems with my...
Kjab profile image

Moderation team

See all
Kelley-Admin profile image
Kelley-AdminAdministrator
jess-admin profile image
jess-adminAdministrator
Emily-Admin profile image
Emily-AdminAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.