A heart recorder is called an implantable loop recorder (ILR).
An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a small device used to monitor heart activity. Here’s a detailed look:
How an Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR) Works
An ILR is placed just beneath the skin of the chest. It records electrical signals from the heart. Unlike other heart monitors, an ILR can record heart activity over a long time period – typically up to several years. It's activated to record when either you manually activate it or it automatically detects an abnormal heart rhythm.
Why is an ILR Used?
The primary purpose of an ILR is to:
- Identify the cause of unexplained fainting spells (syncope).
- Detect the reason for palpitations (awareness of heartbeats).
- Pinpoint the cause of very fast or very slow heartbeats (tachycardia or bradycardia).
- Find hidden heart rhythm problems that might lead to strokes.
Key Features of an Implantable Loop Recorder
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Placement | Implanted under the skin of the chest. |
| Recording | Continuous recording of heart's electrical activity. |
| Activation | Can be activated manually or automatically upon detecting abnormalities. |
| Duration | Records for long time periods – often several years. |
| Use Cases | Diagnosing fainting, palpitations, irregular heartbeats, and stroke risk. |
Benefits of Using an ILR
- Provides a long-term monitoring solution for infrequent heart issues.
- Captures events that may not be detected by short-term monitors.
- Helps diagnose elusive heart rhythm disturbances.
- Offers key insights into causes of fainting and stroke.
