Loop recorder - any downsides?

[Pikaia]

Hi all,

My cardiologist is being ultra-cautious and has suggested I have a 2 year loop recorder inserted into my chest to try to capture any abnormal rhythms from my structurally abnormal heart.

I'm actually quite keen on the idea as at least then we should have a good handle on what's going on (Holter monitors have so far picked up nothing more than the odd palpitation).

Thing is, even the cardiologist admits I'm not a normal candidate, but as the reasons behind my cardiomyopathy aren't known, he (and I) would like to know as much as possible about what's going on.

Given all this, I'd like to know if any of you know of any downsides? E.g. Can I stand near a microwave or use bluetooth? Does having a loop recorder affect travel insurance? Can I still play rough with my kids etc? What can't I do with a loop recorder in my chest?

Thanks in advance.

Pete

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

You should try and keep 12" plus from electrical/electronic devices, and don't put your mobile in your breast pocket. Metal detection arches are fine but don't linger. You need to keep letter or card with you and let any medical professional (this includes your dentist) know the device is fitted.

A knock in the area probably will not damage the device although your eyes will probably water. You also need to let the cardiac team know about such events.

[IanGordon in reply to MichaelJH]

From a personal perspective, it's been fit and forget. It's never triggered any airport security scanning devices although I carry an explanatory card in my wallet. Neither has a question ever arisen relating to pre-existing condition holiday insurance The memory stick sized device just sits under the skin, above muscle and ribs,inserted in seconds through a small two stitch incision under a local anaesthetic. It logs heart data and downloads this via a bedside modem overnight. So if you are away from home, any logged 'episodes' will have to wait to be downloaded until you are back next to your modem. Ironically, the suspected AF the recorder was fitted to detect has never occurred during its 2+ painless years with me. Initially it felt mildly intrusive but I've almost forgotten it existed although with a 3 year projected battery life, I should maybe request it's removal soon. It's been somewhat overshadowed by my open heart surgery, a couple of months ago.

In conclusion, I'd say zero impact on lifestyle so nothing to worry about and a real advantage in detection of random events to aid diagnosis and treatment. So all plusses.

[Pikaia in reply to IanGordon]

Thanks IanGordon - all good advice and very reassuring. I can see how you forgot about it with the surgery, but good to know you've just been able to get on with things.

[Kimkat in reply to Pikaia]

Yes I agree with IanGordon, I had one fitted 18 mths ago and now have a pacemaker as it recorded type 1 and 2 heart blocks. One the recorder was fitted I was told to let airport security know and not to linger near shop doorways with security devices other than that nothing else. Slight bruising and soreness at first but nothing major.

[amadzarac in reply to IanGordon]

Thank you! Very helpful!

[Pikaia in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks. Good to know the 12" issue. I work with electronic devices so this might be something I need to bear in mind.

[Kimkat in reply to Pikaia]

I think you would need to discuss this before you have one fitted as a precaution.

[Kimkat in reply to Kimkat]

Also may I add, I didn’t have any problems with travel insurance, I’m with Staysure if you’re interested.

[12crostonROAD in reply to Kimkat]

I have tried staysure and they say as monitor fitted this classes as waiting test results

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I am going to have a chat with my doc in a month at my appt, I think I want one( depending on $) as I want to return to pill in pocket plan and he insists everyone has some asymptomatic a fib. He wants me to stay on daily meds.

I figure this device with prove one of us " righter" than the other, lol. My only concern is the cost of monthly readings as Im here in the US and if the cost is too great, I wont do it

[Funky_Uk]

Hi... I have only good things to say about my loop recorder. I went 5 years collapsing and being told nothing was wrong with me. After 3 months of having it I collapsed and it revealed sinus node arrest and a 30 second pause and I now have a pacemaker. They are fantastic for showing up problems that are hard to catch. It might be a problem getting travel insurance as I couldn’t get any though that was in 2007 so maybe it’s different now. I think they are smaller now than the one I had, mine was quite large! I only had mine for a short time but don’t remember having any problems with it

[lauraindurham]

Hi! I had one fitted in December. I’ve not had any issues and forget it’s there. Haven’t been through airport scanners yet, but I hear that there’s nothing to worry about in that respect. Zero impact on my lifestyle and day to say life. Go for it - you’ve got nothing to lose!

[Pikaia in reply to lauraindurham]

Thanks lauraindurham , good to hear!

[Vespa10]

Hi. I had mine fitted 3 weeks ago. It’s still a bit sore if I lean on it but nothing too bad. Hoping it will pick up my very sporadic blackouts. Good luck with yours.

[Faye1989]

Hi, I am due to have this done tomorrow. I am feeling a bit anxious. Would anyone be able to tell me if their monitor is visible at all?

[myecg in reply to Faye1989]

Hi Faye1989- Me too! As it's been quite a few years ago that you had it done, can you tell me how visible it was? Would really like to know!