Blood clot from swimming?

clots

by Tracey_E - 2016-07-16 09:26:38

As your doctor, but if you had a clot post op, once it's treated I don't think that makes you any more likely to get more down the road, and swimming didn't cause it. It was already there, swimming merely aggravated it. If it's gone, it's gone and having a pacer doesn't cause clots. The leads are in the veins, not the arteries. Clots happen in arteries. It can happen post op, but it's not common. 

swimming with a pacemaker.

by Selwyn - 2016-07-16 12:55:19

Swimming before and after pacemaker insertion has been part of my life. As the cardiologist was  doing the insertion I made her   aware of this and she kept the leads coiled a little more so that I can fully extend that arm on the side where my pacemaker is sited. So that was the cardiologist's advice at the time to me.

Blood clots can occur in arteries or veins.  Commonly in veins where the flow rate is slower than arteries ( arteries are more prone to emboli, i.e. clots that have moved from their site of formation) and clots ( thrombosis) occurs. If a clot forms in an artery it is usually due to disease or other pathology of the artery ( as in a coronary THROMBOSIS, where the coronary arteries are diseased).

The fact that your arm started swelling points to a venous or lymphatic drainage problem of your arm.

It does sound like bad luck as to what has happened to you. It is certainly worth  making sure that there is not any impingement of the lead around the site your lead inserts into the subclavian vein, or indeed there is no other pathology in that area. You need to raise this question with your doctor. Some people have cervical ribs and bands that cause impingement syndromes. ( if you raise your arm vertically you should be able to still feel your pulse at the wrist).

Some people are prone to blood clots because of causes relating to their general health.  The only subclavian aterial clot I have come across was in a chain smoker. They must be quite rare. You need a full medical work up to exclude impingement and blood clotting disorders. Your leads must have enough length left on them so that you can fully extend your arm. The PM should not rub your collar bone on full extension.

Please let us know if anything is found.

Swimming is  a great way to keep fit with a pacemaker.

Kind regards,

Selwyn

Thank you

by RosieG - 2016-07-16 19:53:02

Thank you, both, for your feedback.  My surgeon did, indeed, know I was a competitive triathlete.  I wish she would have thought to coil the leads.  I will certinaily ask her to check for impingement.  I have had work in the past to check for clotting disorders, and they were negative.  

I appreciate the feedback and will keep you posted on any new findings.  

Thanks,

Rosie