LINQ ECG monitor query

[Chinkoflight]

Hi, I am due to have a LINQ device fitted following a severe out of the blue cryptogenic stroke in March. Subsequent ECG's including a 7 day ECG have given poor results but not shown anything ie AF. I know research on use of LINQ devices has been beneficial in identifying periodic AF.ECG'S have identified I am bradycardia with ectopics but on a day to day basis I am asymptomatic.

I have looked up previous threads but I just wanted to know whether on balance people felt reassured, or it was beneficial. Many threads appeared to show raised anxiety as a consequence.

The likely outcome I have been advised if AF anomalies are found would be a change of medication from antiplatelet to anticoagulant. Again, any thoughts.

9 months on from my stroke my anxiety about when I will have another one has dissipated for the most part and I am living life almost normally save for now using the dreaded fitness tracker and being in possession of a Kardia device, which isn't used much now.

I do exercise, running now instead of cycling and for the sake of loved ones I allow tracking when I'm out.

Any thoughts or comments? I'm resilient to and can sift stuff so just say whatever as it is, don't hold back!👍😀

[10gingercats]

An anticoagulant would go a long way to ward off another stroke. Surprised to hear you were not so advised to take it after your stroke. Or am i missing something....and I am not a medic.

[Chinkoflight in reply to 10gingercats]

Thanks for the quick reply. It's a good point that I have wondered about. I was treated for the stroke out of area on the Isle of Wight. Quick ambulance, two stroke nurses on duty in dedicated part of AandE, rapid scans and diagnosis, thrombolysed quickly. A near full recovery having lost all movement in right side, speech and some eyesight, very scary. So I was discharged to my local area for all the follow up investigations. My local area is a different experience for all patients, ambulances etc. I have never been admitted to the local stroke team, failed to get past the consultant who has spoken to me only on the phone and basically saying 'well you're okay....'. I have felt aggrieved because post stroke I needed support which would have been available had I actually had my stroke here and been admitted through AndE but the community stroke team won't support me because I've not been admitted here! Anyhow, what tests I have had, scans, some paid for privately to bypass what would have been at least a three month wait for a 24hr Holter ECG and nothing identified.

The LINQ approach is a late adopter for the stroke team following on from positive reports in West Midlands health teams. But has to be agreed by the Cardio team.

The stroke consultant said no clinical evidence for anticoagulants just the antiplatelet Clopidogrel+Atorvastatin. But if AF or another condition observed from the LINQ it would change the medication. Maybe on advice from the cardio team, I don't know.

As for asking, as I said I am still not technically admitted as a patient locally, I hope you can read between the lines because that's all I can do.

BUT thanks to the IoW team I'm alive and recovered. Today's local to me BBC area news is reporting on stroke victims with life changing conditions because of no ambulances, poor And E responses etc. It's desperately awful. Of all the people admitted around the days I had my stroke I was the only one to make a full recovery. Some who had held back with a minor stroke and waited to call for help ended up with permanent disabilities because of delaying admission and not being able to have thrombolysis treatment.

[10gingercats in reply to Chinkoflight]

I would be asking my GP for anticoagulants which I feel sure he could prescribe without a hospital 'say so'. I had a TIA and it was almost 'you are not going home until you agree to take an anticoag'. Risk of stroke after one stroke is a high possibility .Do not take the risk '

[Chinkoflight in reply to 10gingercats]

Thanks again, I'm due a review so I'll ask.

[Beejaysee]

My Linq device (implantable loop recorder) was the best procedure/test I received - after sudden blackouts without warning over 2 years, months apart, I had had every other test without answers. A month after the Linq, my blackout was identified as complete heart block and I had a pacemaker fitted that day - been great ever since! We’re all different, of course, but in my opinion the loop recorder saved my life, so good luck 👍

[Chinkoflight in reply to Beejaysee]

Hi Beejaysee, thanks for taking the time with an extremely helpful reply. That's a real good news story. I think it's looking like a no brainer. Kind regards.

[hayrisdnet]

make sure it is LINQ 2. More useful. I have LINQ 1, but requires dr to give you info

[Chinkoflight in reply to hayrisdnet]

Thanks for the info, I'll check when I see the Consultant.

[Esentepe]

I had a LINQ loop recorder after concern re av block shown on 24hr holter. had a 2to1 pattern so difficult to say if type 2 wenkebach or mobitz. Quick easy procedure can stay in situ for up to 3 years. Within 6 weeks of loop recorder told urgently needed a pacemaker. Nothing to loose I would definitely recommend. Let us know how things go.

[Chinkoflight]

Thanks, that's really helpful.