What Causes Tingling In Hands When Having An Installed Pacemaker?
Question: Hi! I have a an in-dwelling coronary pacemaker, installed three years ago to relieve irregular cardiac pumping. Working fine. But I've been noticing gradually increasing signs that I interpret as circulatory insufficiency, tingling in my left hand. Sometimes postural, sometimes not. Am I correct in considering this to indicate disturbed blood flow due to increased resistance caused by the presence of the pacemaker wire? Other possibilities? Should I do anything about it? Suggestions?
Many thanks!
Brief Answer:
Not exactly
Detailed Answer:
As the pacemaker wire is in venous side it doesnt cause circulatory insufficiency, but can cause blockage in the veins which can come as swelling, tingling and numbnesss. If it is not associated with swelling than it is less likely to be pacemakeer related. You need to have yourself examined by cardiologist and have an ECG and chest X ray done. Than if there is any suggestion doctor might ask for venous doppler. If it is very intermittent and inconsistant you can safely ignore it also.
Other possibilities could be cevical spondylosis, some arterial disease, neuropathy and many more. But from the information you have given it is very difficult to arrive at conclusion
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj