Heather Arranie 
An estimated half a billion individuals around the globe are affected by cardiovascular disease (CVD), accounting for nearly 21 million deaths in 2021, according to the 2023 World Heart Report. The good news is that 80% of CVD is preventable, says the same report. In addition to controlling risk factors, cardiac monitoring is a crucial instrument in assessing heart health and detecting potential issues. It can detect arrhythmias or irregular heart rhythms, heart failure, and coronary heart disease. Implantable devices are alternatives to continuously track the heart’s electrical activity and detect abnormalities.
How it Functions
Put simply, an implantable loop monitor is a small, battery-powered device that’s implanted under the skin of your chest. It continuously tracks your heart’s electrical activity, which is similar to how an ECG works. The implantable loop recorder (ILR) constantly records your heart rhythm, looking for abnormalities. When it detects an abnormal heart rhythm, it records the event. Recorded data is stored in the device’s memory. From time to time, the device transmits the stored data to a receiver, which can then be sent to your physician for analysis.
One of the key features of the ILR is its ability to record heart activity for up to several years or around three years. Moreover, the device is small and discrete and can easily be implanted under the skin. It also automatically records abnormal heart rhythms without manual activation. Another advantage of an ILR is that you can activate a recording manually if you are experiencing symptoms. Overall, an ILR can identify irregular heartbeats that may not be detected during routine checkups. Therefore, it helps doctors accurately diagnose the symptoms like palpitations or fainting spells. Based on this data, valuable information can be used to guide treatment decisions such as medication or more invasive procedures.
Who Should Get It
ILRs are primarily used to diagnose and monitor heart arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats. Thus, if you are experiencing symptoms like palpitations, fainting spells, or unexplained fatigue, your doctor may recommend an ILR. Furthermore, there are many specific situations where ILR might be considered. As mentioned above, unexplained syncope or fainting episodes without a clear cause can benefit from an ILR. Other medical situations where ILR can prove valuable include atrial fibrillation, which is a type of irregular heartbeat, and ventricular tachycardia, a more serious type of unbalanced heartbeat.
People who also had heart surgery can benefit from an IRL to monitor heart rhythm after a procedure. While ILRs are generally safe and effective, there are certain individuals who may not be suitable candidates for this device. Patients with severe bleeding disorders may be at risk of complications from the implantation procedure. Others who have advanced heart failure are also not viable candidates.
All in all, cardiac monitoring plays a vital role in maintaining heart health, detecting potential issues early, and improving patient outcomes. While it is considered safe and effective, it is vital to consult with the cardiologist to establish if an ILR is right for you, taking into account your specific medical history, symptoms, and risk factors.
