Sinus Health Info

Sick Sinus Syndrome

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Sick sinus syndrome refers to multiple conditions wherein the working of the sinus node is defective. The sinus node or the sinoatrial node acts as a natural pacemaker in the heart to ensure regular heartbeats. An electric current is generated from one of the upper chambers or the atria of the heart that passes through the heart and into the lower chambers or ventricles. The sinus node can raise the heart rate whenever the demand for it is increased, as in the case of exercise. When you suffer from sick sinus syndrome, your heart rate speed may either be inadequate or excessive to match the body’s requirements.

There are a number of causes for the syndrome but the most common is idiopathic. It may lead to syncope, pre-syncope, palpitations or dizziness but they are usually asymptomatic or the symptoms may be subtle or nonspecific.

Those who are elderly are more prone to sick sinus syndrome with the cause usually being non-specific, scar-like degeneration of the cardiac conduction system. In children sick sinus syndrome is most commonly caused by cardiac surgery, particularly when it involves the atria.

Among the symptoms of sick sinus syndrome are dizziness, confusion and heart failure caused by a complication in the sinus node of the heart, which performs the role of the body’s natural pacemaker. When the sinus node malfunctions, the reaction is an abnormally slow heart rate or bradycardia. This can lead to poor pumping by the heart, putting circulation in jeopardy.

Many patients affected with sick sinus syndrome may warrant pacemaker therapy. Those affected by sick sinus syndrome will mostly require an artificial pacemaker to be inserted into their body. This small electronic device that is inserted into the chest, under the skin helps the heart in maintaining a heartbeat that is regular particularly when the heartbeat is too slow. When your heart rate is too fast after insertion of a pacemaker, medicine for control may be recommended by your doctor.