External Loop Recorder Explained by a Leading Cardiologist

December 27, 2021 | 3 minutes read time

An external loop recorder (ELR) is a small, wearable device used for detecting abnormal heartbeats that a standard EKG may miss. Since the latter monitors your heart rate only for a short duration, an external loop recorder may be recommended to you by the doctor to diagnose abnormalities that occur periodically, says the best cardiologist in South Delhi.

Depending on your condition, you may be asked to wear it (under your clothes) for several days or weeks to eliminate any doubt in the process.

What to expect during External Loop Recorder monitoring?

ELR is noninvasive and painless. You can hide those wires and electrodes under your clothes and attach the recording devices to the strap of your belt. Also, you’re not allowed to take the monitor off, even during sleep, advises the best cardiologist in South Delhi.

Depending on your condition, you may be asked to wear it (under your clothes) for several days or weeks to eliminate any doubt in the process.

What to expect during External Loop Recorder monitoring?

ELR is noninvasive and painless. You can hide those wires and electrodes under your clothes and attach the recording devices to the strap of your belt. Also, you’re not allowed to take the monitor off, even during sleep, advises the best cardiologist in South Delhi.

The electrodes that are placed are similar to a silver dollar’s size. To make the electrodes stick, a very tiny amount of hair might need to be shaved in men. After connecting the recording device and placing the electrodes, the technician will walk you through the steps of wearing the ELR properly and comfortably.

Notice the size of a typical deck of cards?

That’s how big the recording device is. For the next few days or weeks, it will record every heartbeat and that will help in the final diagnosis. Can an External Loop Recorder detect blockage?

Uncontrolled fast heartbeats or slow heart rates can be a sign of blockage. Such disorders can be diagnosed by ELR, the best cardiologist in South Delhi confirms.

What are the potential risks of wearing an External Loop Recorder?

Wearing an ELR is not without risks (even if they are rare), according to the findings of John Hopkins Medicine.

• • You may need extra tape to keep the electrodes in place. Over a prolonged period, this may cause discomfort, skin irritation, or tissue breakdown at the site of application.
• • Depending on your medical condition, you may face other risks – especially if you’re taking certain medications. Be sure to check with your doctor before wearing the ELR, the best cardiologist in South Delhi stresses.
• • Proximity with electrical appliances (microwave ovens, toothbrushes, and shavers), high-voltage electrical wires, metal detectors, and magnets may interfere with the results of the ELR. MP3 players and cell phones should also be kept at a minimum of 6 inches away from your monitor box to avoid interference.
• • Tobacco consumption via smoking or other means can affect the monitor reading

Fix an Appointment with the best cardiologist

A reputed cardiologist in India, Dr. Vanita is a leading specialist in pacemakers, external loop recorder, ablation surgery & care, arrhythmia, coronary interventions, and life-saving cardiac devices. She is currently the senior consultant cardiac electrophysiologist & interventional cardiologist at Apollo Hospital, Delhi.

If you have concerns or more questions about the ELR and wish to consult the best cardiologist in South Delhi, you may call Dr. Vanita on her phone number - +91 98738 79994 or use her email address doctorvanitaarora@gmail.com to contact her.

There’s a third way to get in touch with her, and for that, you need to fill a form on Dr. Vanita’s website.