Anyone know about cardiology??

[Snowqueen7]

want to start by saying I know this is probably a really daft question but I’m just a bit new to this all so just wasn’t 100% sure

i had an implantable loop recorder put in about 2 months ago for monitoring episodes of ventricular tachycardia, as well as other rhythm problems.

I’ve not had any issues or symptoms so far thankfully, but I suddenly realised I’m unsure what would actually happen if I did. I know I can take a reading myself by pushing the button I’ve got, and I know it automatically records my heart if it detects any abnormal rhythms… but I suddenly just realised I’m not actually sure what happens after that if it’s an abnormal rhythm but I didn’t have symptoms or realise it myself, would they call me the next day when the receive the reading? Or just tell me when I go for my routine check up next?

I know it’s probably a really stupid question, and hopefully it won’t happen, but just realised I’m not quite sure what would happen if it did pick up a funny rhythm. Also, I work somewhere with no phone service whatsoever so if they couldn’t get through to me because I have no signal, I’m guessing they would keep calling or at least leave a voicemail or something?!

probably worrying about nothing and hopefully it never happens but just thought I’d ask on here in case anyone knows!

In our area, patients call cardiology investigations outpatients dept to get their ILR interrogated. If you’re not sure what provision is locally you could ring your local hospitals switchboard and ask to be put through to cardiology investigations dept or for the arrhythmia specialist nurses number.

I analyse loop recorders as part of my role, in my hospital (and in every other hospital I’ve worked at) we would try to contact you to ask about symptoms, but even if we couldn’t we email your consultant anyway to let them know there’s been an arrhythmia. It would be up to them to arrange a follow up appointment with you if they deem it necessary, sometimes they are happy to watch and wait if the episode is very short.

I wouldn’t worry about not getting the call about symptoms, if there are any dangerous arrhythmias recorded they will act on it regardless of symptoms.

Sorry should have added that I assume you have an app or home monitor for your loop? If not that ignore my post above.

Thanks that’s helpful!

I have a box I sleep beside (which I think automatically sends over any information from that day without my needing to do anything) but they also gave me a handheld switch to push whenever I feel symptoms and then I can actively send it over. I don’t have a phone app or anything where I can directly see my own ecg myself, it goes straight to the hospital

just suddenly got worried I would have an episode and wouldn’t know and wouldn’t be able to answer their call if I was at work. Hopefully that won’t ever happen though!

The app does the same thing as the box you have, it doesn’t show much information to be honest, it just sends the episodes to the hospital.