Conditions an Implantable Loop Recorder Can Detect

An ILR is designed to identify abnormal electrical activity within the heart.

Common conditions include:

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

AFib is one of the leading causes of stroke.

Some patients have silent AFib with no noticeable symptoms.

Long-term monitoring allows physicians to detect episodes that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Bradycardia

Bradycardia refers to an abnormally slow heart rate.

Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Fainting

An ILR records these episodes whenever they occur.

Tachycardia

Episodes of rapid heart rhythm may happen unexpectedly.

The recorder helps identify:

• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
• Ventricular tachycardia
• Other abnormal fast rhythms

Heart Block

Electrical signals traveling through the heart may become delayed or interrupted.

Loop Recorders help determine:

• Frequency
• Duration
• Severity

This information guides future treatment decisions.

Unexplained Stroke

Some strokes occur because of previously undiagnosed atrial fibrillation.

Long-term monitoring helps determine whether hidden arrhythmias contributed to the event.

How Is an Implantable Loop Recorder Placed?

Placement of an Implantable Loop Recorder is a simple outpatient procedure.

During implantation:

• The skin is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic.
• A very small incision is made beneath the skin of the upper chest.
• The recorder is inserted just under the skin.
• The incision is closed with adhesive strips or stitches.

The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and most patients return home shortly afterward.

Does the Implant Hurt?

Most patients experience only mild soreness for a few days after implantation.

Because the recorder is extremely small and sits just beneath the skin, most people quickly forget it is there.

After healing, patients can typically return to their normal daily activities with very few restrictions.

Remote Heart Rhythm Monitoring

One of the greatest advantages of today’s Implantable Loop Recorders is remote monitoring.

The device automatically communicates important information to your healthcare team through secure monitoring technology.

This allows Dr. Adamson to:

• Review abnormal heart rhythms
• Detect atrial fibrillation early
• Monitor treatment effectiveness
• Evaluate recurring symptoms
• Recommend timely intervention when necessary

Remote monitoring provides peace of mind while reducing unnecessary office visits.

Benefits of an Implantable Loop Recorder

Long-term monitoring provides several important advantages.

Benefits include:

• Continuous heart rhythm recording
• Detection of infrequent arrhythmias
• No external wires
• Minimal maintenance
• Comfortable daily wear
• Remote monitoring capability
• Early diagnosis
• Improved treatment planning
• Reduced stroke risk through earlier detection

For many patients, an Implantable Loop Recorder provides answers that short-term monitors cannot.

Living With an Implantable Loop Recorder

Most patients return to normal life within a day or two after implantation.

You can generally continue:

• Walking
• Exercising (with physician approval)
• Traveling
• Sleeping normally
• Working
• Daily household activities

Your care team will provide personalized instructions regarding incision care and follow-up appointments.

Understanding Your Results

Whenever symptoms occur—or when the device detects an abnormal rhythm—Dr. Adamson reviews the recordings.

Your evaluation includes:

• Review of recorded heart rhythms
• Correlation with symptoms
• Assessment of cardiovascular risk
• Medication review
• Recommendations for further treatment if needed

Patients receive detailed explanations and are encouraged to participate actively in treatment decisions.

Personalized Treatment Following Diagnosis

If monitoring identifies an abnormal heart rhythm, treatment is customized to your individual diagnosis and health goals.

Treatment options may include:

• Medication adjustments
• Blood-thinning therapy
• Blood pressure management
• Lifestyle modifications
• Referral to an electrophysiologist
• Pacemaker evaluation
• Additional cardiovascular imaging
• Routine follow-up care

Our goal is to reduce symptoms while lowering your risk of stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications.

Why Early Detection Matters

Many heart rhythm disorders are highly treatable once diagnosed.

Without proper monitoring, undetected arrhythmias may increase the risk of:

• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Falls
• Recurrent fainting
• Injury
• Reduced quality of life

Long-term monitoring allows physicians to identify these conditions before they become life-threatening.

Why Patients Choose Cardiology First

Patients throughout New Braunfels trust Dr. Van Adamson because of his commitment to advanced cardiovascular care delivered with compassion.

At Cardiology First, patients receive:

• Personalized evaluations
• Advanced heart rhythm diagnostics
• Implantable Loop Recorder management
• Comprehensive cardiovascular care
• Evidence-based treatment
• Preventive medicine
• Long-term follow-up
• Clear communication and patient education

Our mission is to help every patient receive an accurate diagnosis while building a lasting partnership focused on lifelong heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an Implantable Loop Recorder stay in place?

Most devices monitor heart rhythms for up to three years, depending on the specific model and your clinical needs.

Is implantation painful?

The procedure is performed using local anesthetic. Most patients experience only mild discomfort for a few days afterward.

Can I travel with an Implantable Loop Recorder?

Yes. Most patients travel normally. Your healthcare team can provide guidance regarding airport security and device identification if needed.

Will I feel the recorder working?

No. The device silently records your heart rhythm without causing discomfort.

Is an Implantable Loop Recorder a pacemaker?

No. An Implantable Loop Recorder only records heart rhythms. It does not deliver electrical therapy or regulate your heartbeat like a pacemaker.

Schedule an Implantable Loop Recorder Evaluation in New Braunfels

If you’ve experienced unexplained fainting, dizziness, irregular heartbeats, or heart palpitations that haven’t been diagnosed through traditional monitoring, an Implantable Loop Recorder may provide the answers you need.

At Cardiology First, Dr. Van Adamson combines advanced cardiac technology with compassionate, patient-centered care to accurately diagnose heart rhythm disorders and create personalized treatment plans that protect your long-term cardiovascular health.

Whether you’re being evaluated after a stroke, experiencing intermittent symptoms, or simply seeking expert cardiac care, our team is here to help.

Contact Cardiology First

Dr. Van Adamson, MD
Cardiology First

📞 Phone: (210) 767-2549

🌐 Website: www.CardiologyFirstClinic.com

Proudly serving patients throughout New Braunfels, Schertz, Cibolo, Seguin, San Marcos, Garden Ridge, Selma, Universal City, and surrounding South Texas communities with advanced heart rhythm monitoring and comprehensive cardiovascular care. Schedule your appointment today to learn whether an Implantable Loop Recorder is right for you.