SECTION 2
Why might I need one?
Your doctor may recommend a loop recorder when a suspected rhythm problem happens too infrequently to capture with an EKG or a short-term monitor.
Common reasons include:
- Unexplained fainting or near-fainting: To look for slow heartbeats, pauses, heart block, or fast rhythms that could explain an episode.
- Occasional palpitations: To identify the rhythm during episodes of racing, fluttering, or skipped beats.
- A stroke without a clear cause: To look for intermittent atrial fibrillation, which can occur without noticeable symptoms.
- Long-term rhythm assessment: In selected patients, to track suspected or known rhythm problems and help guide treatment.
Why not just use a Holter monitor?
An EKG captures a brief snapshot. A Holter or patch monitor records for a limited period. If your symptoms occur weeks or months apart, the problem may not happen while you are wearing it.
A loop recorder provides a longer opportunity to capture these events.
Sources & further readingMayo Clinic: Implantable loop recordersJohns Hopkins: Loop recorder implantation
Updated October 2026. Educational information; your own care plan may differ. Medical illustrations are simplified examples for teaching.