cardiac arrythmia

Are insertable cardiac monitors really helpful for diagnosing arrythmias?

[curmudgen]

If you have very infrequent symptoms that have to be diagnosed and recorded this seems to be what these are designed to do.

[cindy707]

I assume that you are talking about a loop monitor....did the docs already try a non invasive holter monitor?  And yes the loop monitor is super accurate however you may want to look at all of the options out there for you.  What type of rhythm issues are you having specifically?  You have all kinds of options out there for you...what type of issues are you having?  Are you on meds?  Did the docs diagnose you w. anything yet?

[ech1tch1]

I've worn a halter monitor had a stress test and many EKG's. I've gone in for two ablations. Second time they couldn't find anything to ablate. I'm having palpitations and shortness of breath.

[curmudgen]

You could try an event monitor as cindy707 suggested.  Usually get one for 30 days and you press a button to record your episode of arrhythmia. The leads can be removed for bathing and it is no larger than a cell phone.  You can phone in your recordings to lab.  Worked for me.

[ech1tch1]

I was having palpitations with life altering shortness of breath. I would feel that my body didn't have the energy to move. After the first ablation the symptoms decreased but the shortness of breath/loss of energy returned 3 weeks after but not as severe. There's some lightheadedness. The plan is to use the new monitor that is cordless, is inserted under the skin and is the size of a thumb drive. Very new technology because it does not involve leads.
The diagnosis included paroxymal atrial tachycardia and SVT. I was put on cardizem by my first cardiologist but it did not help. I am concerned.

[IlovePSU]

I was passed over several times and told that I was anxious and to move on. I finally got my cardiologist to agree to the ILR and it has been the best thing ever. I have atrial fibrillation. My runs of it are SO short that it was never caught in the ER. The monthly monitor didn't work well for me because my skin had a huge reaction to the leads. IT was awful. I am so glad to have it.

[ech1tch1]

What is ILR?

[IlovePSU]

Sorry about not typing it out. It is the implantable loop recorder = ILR

[ech1tch1]

What was the outcome? Is it the same as the implantable cardiac monitor by medtronics?

[IlovePSU]

It is a St Jude one. My doctor prefers St Jude over the Medtronic. Just personal preference. I had been diagnosed with anxiety and noone was listen to me. I passed out in November and my EP decided to put one in. I have atrial fibrilliation and not anxiety. Totally worth it.