Pacemaker and a loop recorder

Does anyone know if a person that has a pacemaker can also have a loop recorder? My EP told me my pacemaker wouldn't have any effect on my pvcs or pacs but it would keep my heart rate to at least 60 because I have a bad sinus node as well as taking Sotalol that slows the heart rate down. I am used to, but certainly don't like, pvcs/pacs but I am getting some real disturbing erratic rhythm runs that kind of get very worrisome. Of course, when I see the EP the problem just seems to hide so she can't find the problem. I have had two failed ablations. Just wondering if I can have both the pacemaker and loop recorder or will they interfere with each other. Thanks all....

6 Comments

PM & Loop

by AgentX86 - 2020-01-05 23:08:55

It doesn't sound like you need a loop recorder (and would have a tough sell to your insurance company).  Your pacemaker, in conjunction with the remote interrogation box should be enough.  You ush the button to initiate the remote when you're feeling the arrhythmia.  If that's not good enough, a Zio patch or a week or two with a Holter monitor should work.  That said, your EP is the one to ask.

EKG

by marylandpm - 2020-01-06 05:03:14

 You could get your own EKG machine and learn how to use it with YouTube.  PVC and Afib / flutter are easy to see with a EKG. 

Afib/Flutter

by AgentX86 - 2020-01-06 08:53:30

Afib is easy to see but Aflutter usually takes a full twelve lead EKG (a six lead Kardia Mobile might do it - haven't tred). IIRC flutter only shows on lead three.The ER cardiologist argued up one side and down the other that I was in NSR. when I knew full well that I was in flutter. My EP later confirmed that I was.

 

Arrhythmias

by islandgirl - 2020-01-06 09:27:35

I also have sinus node dysfuntion.  I would insist on a monitor to wear for at least a couple of weeks.  Get his attention and let him know how disruptive they are.  I don't think you would need nor want a loop recorder, as it is invasive, and it sounds like you're having the arrhythmias often.  Take your pulse when you feel the arrhythmias write down the time and date, what you're doing.  Keep a log and bring it to your appt.  

PM and Loop

by Rhythmstorm - 2020-01-06 09:45:16

Just before I had a PM I had a loop recorder. During my 2nd ablation attempt, a PM was placed and the loop removed at the same time. I had a push-button remote with the loop but it is now gone as well as the LR and no more buttons to push, but I wished the PM had a remote push button so I could use it when I have these nasty rhythm flare-ups. I do have a Kardia but it is the single lead, which is almost useless in some cases. I was going to get the new 6 lead Kardia but it will require a new cell phone as well and for me, that is a bit more than I can afford. I don't understand why the single lead Kardia works on my current cell and the new 6 lead Kardia won't. Kardia told me when the new Kardia would update the program would not work anymore. Thanks so much for the input you all gave me!

Kardia

by AgentX86 - 2020-01-06 12:27:23

The single lead Kardia Mobile uses an audio coupler from the Kardia device to the phone. The six lead device uses Bluetooth. I'm sure they don't qualify every phone (very expensive), so just test with the newer and more popular phones. They don't want the support issues just opening it up to any Bluetooth phone. Bluetooth has too many issues to support ever weird interpretation of the spec.

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

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