Why Do Legs Swell After Pacemaker Implantation?
Disease description:
After my grandmother had a cardiac pacemaker implanted, her legs swell every morning, resembling symptoms of kidney disease. Why do her legs become edematous after pacemaker implantation?
Doctor's answer (2)
Dr. Kou Linlin
Implanting a cardiac pacemaker is primarily used to treat arrhythmias—most commonly sick sinus syndrome or severe bradycardia—both of which typically require pacemaker implantation. If leg edema develops after pacemaker implantation, it is generally attributed to heart failure or impaired cardiac function. Relevant diagnostic evaluations should therefore be performed to determine whether underlying valvular heart disease or cardiomyopathy is present. Strict adherence to a low-sodium diet is essential to reduce cardiac workload.
