Sick sinus syndrome overview

Sick sinus syndrome Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Sick sinus syndrome from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
EKG Examples
Echocardiography
X-ray
CT scan
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Guidelines
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Sick sinus syndrome overview On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Sick sinus syndrome overview All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Sick sinus syndrome overview
CDC on Sick sinus syndrome overview
Sick sinus syndrome overview in the news
Blogs on Sick sinus syndrome overview
Directions to Hospitals Treating Sick sinus syndrome
Risk calculators and risk factors for Sick sinus syndrome overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Sick sinus syndrome(SSS) is a term used to describe a number of different abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) caused by a malfunction of the sinus node, the heart's "natural" pacemaker. It encompasses disorders causing reduced automaticity of the sinoatrial node, exit block, and sinus arrest. The syndrome primarily affects the elderly, and is associated with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or flutter in approximately half of the patients and with distal conduction disease in up to one tenth of patients.

SSS may result in sinus pauses and arrest. It may also present with bradycardia, tachycardia, and an alternation between the two (referred to as the tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome) which is characterized by periods of bradycardia alternating with periods of atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. SSS may go largely unnoticed in mild disease but can cause a number of symptoms in severe disease including syncope, pre-syncope, palpitations, or dizziness. Management of the syndrome usually requires an implanted permanent pacemaker.