An implantable loop recorder (or ILR) is a small device that’s put under the skin, usually in your chest. It records your heart rhythm for up to 4.5 years to find out how your heart is working.
Your doctor may suggest you have an implantable loop recorder (or ILR) if you’re:
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.
It can be scary when you do not have a diagnosis, and you’re unsure why symptoms are happening. It can help to speak to friends and family for support. You can also speak to our cardiac nurses on our Heart Helpline.
If you’re feeling worried or sad and it’s affecting your life, speak to your doctor. They can help you get support.
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.
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.
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.
There are two types of ILRs:
The main difference is how they are fitted.
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.
The cut is then closed with a special type of glue, stitches or steri-strips. A dressing will be put over the wound.
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.
Before you have an ILR fitted you’ll be given the chance to ask questions and prepare for the procedure. Your doctor can answer your questions and help with any concerns.
Questions you may want to ask:
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.
Your ILR will be taken out when:
It’s safe to leave the ILR in your chest once the battery life has ended.
If your doctor thinks you still need an ILR, a new one can be fitted when your current one is taken out.
It’s taken out in a similar way to how it’s put in.
It’s normal to have questions about your ILR and how it will affect your life. You will be able to do everything you usually would, like go to work or the gym.
Some people worry that activities that increase your heart rate, like exercise, sexual activity, stress or alcohol, will set off their ILR. It’s important to do everything you usually would because your doctor wants to understand how your daily life affects your heart rhythm. This will help them find out the cause of your symptoms.
Speak to your doctor if you play heavy impact sports, like rugby or boxing. There’s a small risk that your ILR could get damaged. Your doctor can talk to you about this.
You can talk to your healthcare team about anything, it’s okay to ask questions. You can also speak to one of our cardiac nurses by calling the Heart Helpline.
You can drive after having an ILR fitted if your symptoms do not affect your ability to drive.
Your seat belt might feel uncomfortable until your wound has healed. You could add some padding, like a thick jumper or small pillow, between your chest and the seat belt. Make sure it’s still safe and protects you in case of an accident.
If you start having new symptoms, speak to your doctor. They can give you more information about driving.
You can go abroad like you normally would. You may need to tell your travel insurance provider that you have an ILR. It’s usually the underlying condition or symptoms, rather than the device itself that affects your travel insurance.
You’ll be given a device identification card to keep with you when you travel.
You can usually go through airport security scanners safely. Show your card to staff when you’re going through security and they will let you know what to do.
Take any equipment you might need, such as a bedside monitor or activator.
Your ILR will not affect mobile phones and other electrical appliances.
If you need to have an MRI scan let them know you have an ILR. Most MRI scanners can be used with ILRs. Other scans, like X-ray or CT, are also safe.
If you need more information or just want to talk to someone, we’re here for you:
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