An ILR continuously checks your heart rhythm for up to 4.5 years. This means it can find small changes in your heart rhythm that other tests may have missed.
An ILR checks the electrical signals from your heart and can recognise if your heart rate or rhythm are not normal.
How it records your heart rhythm:
An ILR can record your heart rhythm automatically, or you’ll record your heart rhythm when you feel symptoms. This is done using a small, hand-held activator device or an app on your phone.
If you use a hand-held activator device, hold it over your chest where your ILR is when you feel symptoms. This will start (or activate) the recording.
Your doctor or another healthcare professional will explain how your ILR works and whether you need to record your heart rhythm yourself. Ask them any questions you have. It may help to find out who you can contact if you have any problems recording your heart rhythm.
Sharing the results:
The recordings of your heart rhythm are either shared with your doctor automatically, or you’ll be asked to download and send them. Sometimes you may need to go into hospital or a clinic to share your results.
You may also be asked to keep a diary of your symptoms, what you were doing at the time and how long they lasted. Seeing if there’s a pattern to your symptoms and when they happen can help you to manage them until you have a diagnosis.
This information is used to find out what’s causing your symptoms and plan any treatment you might need.
Why might I need an ILR?
Your doctor may suggest you have an implantable loop recorder (or ILR) if you’re:
• Feeling dizzy
• Fainting
• Having heart palpitations (a pounding or fluttering feeling in your chest).
An ILR can help find out what’s causing your symptoms. You’ll usually have an ECG or have your heart rhythm monitored over one or two days first.
You may have an ILR if you’ve had a stroke and tests have not found out why.
Having an ILR fitted takes about 15 minutes and should not hurt. It’s normal to feel a bit nervous, finding out what to expect can help reassure you.
Your ILR will be fitted by a doctor, nurse or cardiac physiologist.
Before the procedure you’ll be given local anaesthetic to numb the area. This means you’re awake, but you should not feel any pain. It may sting a bit when you’re given the anaesthetic. This feeling does not usually last long.
A small cut, about 1 to 2 centimetres, is made on the left side of your chest. The way it’s fitted under your skin depends on the type of ILR you have.
• A traditional loop recorder is placed under your skin.
• An injectable loop recorder is injected under your skin.
The cut is then closed with a special type of glue, stitches or steri-strips. A dressing will be put over the wound.
The procedure is safe and very common.
You might feel a bit bruised for a few days after. There’s a small chance of bleeding or an infection where you had the ILR fitted.
Sometimes people find the ILR has moved a little bit. This is normal. If it feels uncomfortable or you’re worried about it moving, speak to your doctor.
If you’re worried about any risks talk to your doctor before your ILR is fitted. Your doctor will understand your concerns and be able to answer your questions.
You’ll be given information on how to care for your wound. This includes symptoms of infection to look out for, and who to contact if you experience any symptoms that worry you.
It’s important to keep your wound clean and dry until it’s healed. You can usually remove any dressings 4 to 5 days after the procedure.
Most people can go home the same day as the procedure. Your chest will feel a bit tight and bruised for a few days. You may want to avoid moving your upper body too much until it feels better.
You’ll be given information on your device, and any recovery information you need. You’ll also be shown how to use your equipment, such as the activator and bedside monitor.