Loop Recorder

I have been diagnosed with Type 2 Second degree heart block occuring mainly at night. I have been told I will need a pacemaker in the future. In the meantime my cardiologist has recommended that I be fitted with a Loop Recorder to ascertain whether my light headedness is connected with the block. I have never fainted and the 'funny spells' last only seconds and are not on a regular basis. Of more concern to me is my erratic pulse rate which can go from 67 to 101 without excercise. Could this be connected to the heart block or indicative of something else. I am beginning to wonder whether I should have a pacemaker now.It is all very scary.

6 Comments

Possible Rhythm Problems

by 8thID - 2010-09-28 08:09:18

Hello--

I don't believe the eratic pulse you are having is due to heart block. I have 3rd degree heartblock and have had a couple episodes of tachycardia, which is what you may be experiencing with the odd pulse rates. As far as getting a PM now, I would wait to see what the loop recorder shows. I've had my device for 2 months, and yes it can be scary. But I'd rather have it, and I have felt so much better since being implanted with my device. I wish you the best. Take Care!

Jeff

Second that!

by Heidiglassmeyer - 2010-09-29 01:09:06

I also had an implanted loop recorder prior to my ablation and PM implant. Same thing, placed it right in the middle of my chest, made it very uncomfortable to wear a bra, and the scar is much worse than my PM scar! Really, my chest looks like a mess. I am thin and small chested so I get a lot of stares when in a swimsuit! If you are a male then never mind lol! Medically it did it's job, and I am alive :). The other benefit is that you will know what is going on when you are asleep. I had no idea how many problems I was having while sleeping. It really did save my life! Best of luck to you!

Heidi

Loop Recorder

by ABelle - 2010-09-29 12:09:52

I'm not sure if you are male or female, but if you're a female I wanted to give you a heads up about the loop recorder placement. I was told that it would be positioned in my upper chest area close to my shoulder and instead it was placed in the middle of my cleavage.
Having my loop recorder implanted was actually more difficult than recieving my pacemaker in regards to the fact that it was extremely heavy and slow in healing. I would ask about the placement and find out if they could put it in the same spot as a pm instead. In hindsight the loop recorder did do it's job. It recorded all the time, but when I had my last major episode it recorded that my heart actually stopped for 72 seconds... not exactly what should be happening. I recieved my pm a few days later, and hopefully the next time my heart decides to stop it will catch it before my heart rate can get that low. Good luck with everything and remember to take it easy after your loop recorder is implanted. Best, Anna

Position of loop.

by picklespuss - 2010-10-03 11:10:42

Thanks for your comments. Yes I too am female but because I had a lumpectomy on my left breast earlier this year (been a c**p year!) the cardiologist is not able to implant in the breast tissue. I also need annual mammograms so he is placing the loop higher up the chest. I am going in on Tuesday so hope to get a chance to discuss exact whereabouts. Although I am 61 I like to think I am still body concious. At my pre assessment they were not able to say if the hand held device should be placed directly on the skin over the loop site or if it will work if placed over clothing. Any advice?
Regards Barbara

Loop Recorders and mammograms!

by Foxey - 2014-09-29 09:09:49

Just had a loop recorder "installed" one month ago and other than the fact the doctor did not wait for the local to take effect, making the installation VERY painful, I have had no other issues with it. HOWEVER, I would love to hear from someone who has had mammograms following this procedure! The placement of the recorder is on the left side (clevage area) and I can't imagine how this is going to work successfully with a mammogram machine!

Left breast pain

by Tapsblueyes - 2015-04-17 11:04:50

I had the loop recorder implanted last December. I am having severe left breast tenderness. I am scheduled to see my GYN next week. The actual implantation of the device and healing was horrific. I still cannot lie on my right side because the left breast puts too much weight on the device and I believe that is what is causing the pain. I am not a small chested person. Anyone else have these issues that may be able to offer advice?

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Your electric tooth brush interferes with your device.

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