diagnosis and treatment of sick sinus syndrome

What procedure is recommended for a pacemaker implantation?.

What treatment approach will you suggest?.

What kinds of diagnostic tests do I need?.

Are there any other causes for my symptoms?.

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?.

Write down the questions you want to ask your doctor.įor sick sinus syndrome, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: Someone who comes with you can help you remember what the doctor says.

Key medical information, including other medical problems for which you have recently been on treatment and all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements.Īsk a family member or friend to accompany you to the appointment, if possible.

Key personal information, including major stresses or recent changes in your life.

Symptoms you have been experiencing, and their duration.

What you can do?īe aware of your pre-appointment restrictions, such as changing your activity level or your diet while preparing for diagnostic tests. Here is some information that can help you prepare for your appointment. When you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred to a doctor trained in diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions (cardiologist). You may call your family doctor or general practitioner if you have symptoms of sick sinus syndrome. For this reason, sick sinus syndrome remains unidentified until it reaches an advanced stage at which risk of complications is high. Symptoms of sick sinus syndrome, even if they are present, may be so mild enough that they often go unnoticed. Making a diagnosis of sick sinus syndrome is done by performing several tests. However, in some cases, the sinus node does not work properly because of age-related wear and tear of the heart muscle. Sick sinus syndrome may also be triggered by certain group of medications, such as calcium channel blockers or beta blockers that are used in the treatment of high blood pressure, heart diseases or other conditions. Scar tissue that may occur as a result of a previous heart surgery also may be the cause, especially in children.

Bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome: The heart rate follows a pattern of alternating abnormally fast and slow heart rhythms, usually with a long pause (asystole) in between heartbeats.ĭiseases and conditions that cause scarring or damage to your heart's electrical system are the reason for malfunctioning of the sinus node.

Sinus arrest: The sinus node stops sending electrical signals or sinus node activity pauses.

Sinoatrial block: Electrical signals travel very slowly through the sinus node causing an abnormally slow heart rate.

Types of sick sinus syndrome and their causes include: In sick sinus syndrome, there is malfunctioning sinus node because of which your heart rate becomes too slow ( bradycardia), too fast ( tachycardia) or irregular. This is a natural pacemaker, and produces regular electrical impulses that are required to initiate or trigger each heartbeat.įrom the sinus node, electrical impulses travel across the atria to the reach the ventricles, resulting in contraction of ventricles and pumping of blood out to your lungs and other body organs. The sinus rhythm of your heart is controlled by the sinoatrial (SA) node - or sinus node - an area of specialized cells located in the right atrium. Your heart consists of four chambers - two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles). 1986 6(6):376–9.The causes of sick sinus syndrome vary depending on its type. A survey of traditional Chinese medicine in the sick sinus syndrome. Advances in the treatment of sick sinus syndrome with traditional Chinese medicine. Comparative observation on clinical therapeutic efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine and Western medicine on sick sinus syndrome. Nicotine, cigarette smoking and cardiac arrhythmia: an overview. Diagnosis and treatment of sick sinus syndrome. New insights into pacemaker activity: promoting understanding of sick sinus syndrome.