What Causes Pain In Calves With A History Of Coronary Artery Disease?

Posted on Thu, 16 Jun 2016

Question: I am 67 years old, have participated in daily fitness all my life and correct weight for my height. Had multiple coronary artery blockages stunted in November last year, so CVD is present, despite excellent diet and exercise. I had a dual chamber pacemaker inserted 15 months ago due to sick sinus node. Pacemake monitoring shows approx 50% atrial assistance and no ventricle pace assistance. I had early stage cardiomyopathy diagnosis in September last year during stress ecco test which i otherwise performed well at. About two months ago, I started getting pressure / low level pain - not really pain but about 1 out of 10 - in both calves. I am wondering what this might be

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows :

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would like to explain that as you have a previous history of coronary artery disease, your actual complaint (pain in the calves) raises high suspicions about lower limbs arteriopathy. Especially if pain is exacerbated by physical activity.

Coming to this point, I would recommend performing a medical check up by your attending physician for a careful physical examination coupled with lower limbs blood vessels Doppler ultrasound to study blood flow and possible stenosis (obstruction).

Hope to have been helpful to you!

Feel free to ask me again in case of any further uncertainties.

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar