PM and Jugular swelling

Two weeks after getting pacemaker (Oct.5/12), I have jugular vein distention. The jugular vein on the left side near the pm is swollen. I had ultra sound done in the area and they seemed to find some clotting in the cephalic vein where the pm leads are. I was told to increase my warfarin as it was only 1.8 INR.

The doctor seemed to think that I should have some soreness in my left arm, but I do not. It seems to me that for the jugular to swell that there would have to be some blockage downstream, that would be the superior vena cava which is above the right atrium. There is something called SVC syndrome, I was wondering if anyone on here has any knowledge or experience with this condition as it relates to pacemakers? Thanks.

2 Comments

Clot

by Mohai - 2012-10-25 07:10:56

Hi I had the same problem you have now. I received my pm in august 12 after a week my left arm swelled and became very tied I went to the er Doc. told me that I have clot in my arm because my vein where he inserted the leads was small. They told me that this case dosn't happen alot only 2% and adviced me not to wary it will be fine. Now i am taking warfrain 5 mg for more than 2 months and I might take it for 6 months. My arm is bigger than the right one and hurt a little, the color of the skin is little bit different but you can't realize that unless I tell you. It seems better than befor. I advise you to keep your arm little high ( on a pillow) but not above your shoulder
Hope you find my story helpful.
Wish you the best.

Mohai

Update

by Shepheart - 2012-11-27 10:11:56

I have since seen both my cardiologist and my family doctor and they reassured me that the neck vein distention was caused by the clots in the axilary vein where the pm leads were put in. They could not say when the symptoms would go away. I will continue with the warfarin indefinitely.

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