Pacemaker cause leg cramps

[Bobbi101]

My husband , 61 years old, has a pacemaker and he suffers from severe leg cramps almost on a nightly basis.  Is the pacemaker and leg cramps connected or could there be something else causng his leg cramps?

[caregiver222]

That is an excellent question.  Leg cramps are often caused by what is called intermittant claudication, which is related to blood circulation. A pacemaker may limit blood circulation under certain circumstances.  Unlikely, but not impossible. Speak to your cardiologist about this. They question is not that silly.  He need a color dopplar of his legs to evaluate circulatory status, to keep well-hydrated, and excercise regularly, walking as much as possible. Ask your physician about prescribing an ACE inhibitor suich as Lisonopil or an ARB such as Losartan. He's probably on one or thre other.  They have a short half-life. If you asre on them start taking them before bedtime rather than in the morning. These will help to keep the blood vessels open and improve circulation. A magnesium and calcium supplement will help as well as omega-three fish oils. A gram of L-Arginine before bedtime in juice will help a bit. This induces  relaxation of the blood vessels, which improves circulation. Get the flavored kind in a health food store. Not the capsules.