ABOUT CAUSES DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT NEXT STEPS
Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a disease that affects the heart's natural pacemaker (the SA or sinoatrial node), located in the heart's upper right chamber (right atrium). With SSS, the SA node becomes damaged, and can no longer generate normal heartbeats at the normal rate. This may be a result of aging, or other health conditions that damage the SA node over time. Or it may be due to certain medicines. As a result, heartbeats may be too slow. Sometimes SSS is linked to other conditions that cause irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) that lead to a fast heart rate. This combination of fast and slow heart rhythm is called tachy-brady syndrome.
Any condition that can cause heart damage can damage the SA node. This includes:
Hypothyroidism, hypothermia, and electrolyte problems generally can be reversed. Aging is also linked to loss of sinus node function and the development of SSS.
Sick sinus syndrome affects men and women equally, and can occur at any age. But most cases of SSS occur in people over age 70. This is because aging tends to slow the heart rate and lower SA node function. You are at greater risk for SSS if you have any of these:
You are also at greater risk of you take medicines such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, or digoxin, or medicines to treat arrhythmias.
You may have sick sinus syndrome with few or no symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may include:
Your healthcare provider may think you have SSS based on your symptoms, but they are common in many other diseases. To diagnose your condition, your healthcare provider will do an electrocardiogram (ECG). This is a machine that records your heart's rate and rhythm. If you don't have symptoms at the time of your ECG, it may look normal. Other possible tests include:
You may have SSS without symptoms and not need treatment. But if you do have symptoms and need treatment, there are options. They include:
SSS often gets worse over time. When your heart beats too slowly, or too quickly, it can lead to complications:
The aging of your SA node causes most cases of SSS, and there’s no way to prevent that. But you can help prevent complications by learning as much as you can about the disease and working closely with your cardiologist to find the best treatment. You can also make healthy lifestyle changes:
Key points about sick sinus syndrome
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Medical Reviewer: Steven Kang MD Medical Reviewer: Anne Clayton APRN Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN © 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. |