Pacemaker leads causing stenosis.

[Stinky1953]

Has anyone with a pacemaker had stenosis problems caused by their pacemaker leads.

Back in July, whilst on holiday in Cornwall, I noticed some marked swelling to my left arm. After contacting NHS 111 I was directed to Penzance hospital and then on to the Royal Cornwall in Truro. The concern was that I may have a blood clot but this was ruled out after a veinogram and the diagnosis was that my pacemaker leads were causing some stenosis in the sub clavian vein.

I would love to hear from anyone else has had this problem and if so how it had been treated.

Tim.

[CDreamer]

I wonder if you might get replies on the BHF forum? I’ve heard of this from friends who’ve had to have central lines but not from pacemaker. Evidently it’s more common in athletes such as swimmers who do a lot of over arm/ shoulder exercises.

[Stinky1953 in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you. I'll give them a try.

[Hdev]

Two months after my pacemaker was put in last Spring,,I developed pain on the left side at the base of my neck,,,always there and at times, a real,pinch if I move,,,ultrasound showed 2 enlarged lymph nodes ,,,5 months now,,,no change,,,pain still there,,,cardiologist says no connection to pacemaker,,,family md and an ENT see no cause either,,,pain seems to be with carotid artery to me,,,,no one agrees with me,,I give up! I think the pacemaker wires are having some effect,,,

[Stinky1953 in reply to Hdev]

Good morning and sorry not to reply sooner - only just seen your reply.That must be very frustrating for you especially as no one can explain the swollen lymph glands. Many years ago I had a swollen lymph gland in my groin - turned out to be non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Let's hope yours is nothing so serious.

I hope things improve for you.

I'm having a telephone consultation with my EP today so will hopefully get some satisfaction - my left arm is still swollen and the veins in the upper arm and left shoulder are significantly more visible than the right. Clearly not all is well.

All the best Tim