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I thought I would report on my latest tests. The genetic testing was very interesting to hear how it's done. In my case, 62 genes are tested for possible cardiomyopathy. There were only three that had some possibilities, and only one, MYL2 could be associated with genetic cardiomyopathy. However, there was not significant evidence to label it. Good news, I think?
I now have a three year partner. I was injected, that's how it's done, with a loop monitor. It's under my skin above my heart, and monitors a variety of things going on with my heart. If I have a symptom, I have a hand held clicker that I place near the implant. It records the episode, and I can then send it through the monitor on my bed stand. Also, during the night while I'm asleep the days activities regarding my heart issues are sent to my cardiologist. I could have this device for up to three years! Even though I have sent a few symptom related issues through my hand held recorder, nothing of serious significance has been noted. I'm not sure I explained this very accurately. Personally, I think this is a waste of time.
I still have not had a 24-hour blood pressure test. Not sure why.
So, on and on.
Dennis
Replies to "I thought I would report on my latest tests. The genetic testing was very interesting to..."
I too was given an implantable loop recorder for up to 3 years or until the battery runs out. My understanding of how it works is exactly what you wrote, so I think you did a great job explaining it. In my case, I did have an incident during the day and I got called in to the clinic afterwards. At the clinic they invited me for a hospital stay. I ended up staying for 8 days, while they were adding and then adjusting medications for my rapid heart rhythm.
I can assure you it is good news it is not genetic. My daughter, grandmother, cousin and two uncles all died with sudden cardiac death. I have an older brother and a younger brother and myself who all suffer with sudden loss of consciousness since about age 25. I do not have the results of genetic testing yet so eagerly await the results. So far the medication has been quite helpful and my loop monitor has not recorded any new incidents. In my case, I find it reassuring. The genetic test results will be helpful for my children and other close relatives to see if they need investigation as well.
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Hi @ch665296f,
An implantable loop recorder can help answer questions about your heart that other heart-monitoring devices don't provide. It allows for long-term heart rhythm monitoring, and captures information that a standard electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) or Holter monitor misses because some heart rhythm abnormalities occur infrequently. Here’s some more information:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/implantable-loop-recorder/pyc-20384986