Why it's done

Your doctor may recommend an implantable loop recorder if you have:

• An abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• An unexplained stroke
• Unexplained fainting (syncope)

An implantable loop recorder can capture information that a standard electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitor may miss, particularly arrhythmias that are brief or infrequent.

For example, if you're having fainting spells, your doctor will want to know if a problem with your heart is causing your symptoms. A standard ECG only records your heartbeat for a few seconds or minutes. An implantable loop recorder monitors your heartbeat for a much longer time, so it's more likely to capture what your heart is doing if you faint again. Information from an implantable loop recorder can help your doctor confirm a diagnosis and develop your treatment plan.

Your doctor may also recommend an implantable loop recorder if you're at high risk of stroke. Certain arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, increase your risk of stroke.