Sick Sinus Syndrome (SSS)

Also known as sinus node disease or sinus node dysfunction 

Sick sinus syndrome occurs when the sinus node – the heart’s natural pacemaker – sends improper pulses that either slow or quicken the heartbeat. A person with SSS may have a heart rhythm that is too slow (bradycardia), too fast (tachycardia), or one that alternates between the fast and slow (bradycardia-tachycardia).

Symptoms

• Slow pulse (bradycardia)
• Fainting (syncope)
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Sleep disturbance
• Confusion
• Palpitations

Risk Factors

While the exact cause of SSS is unknown, some factors, however, often are associated with the condition, such as:

• Age
• Previous heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• Medications to treat high blood pressure and other heart diseases
• Hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood)
• Thyroid disease
• Sleep apnea
• Heart surgery

Diagnosis

Sick Sinus Syndrome can be hard to diagnose because symptoms are similar to other diseases. Tests that help determine the cause include:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
• Holter monitoring
• Event recorder (portable EKG)
• Implantable loop recorder

Treatment

Potential treatment options include:

• Adjusting current medications
• Controlling heart rhythm and pace with a pacemaker
• Managing with medications
• Having a radiofrequency ablation procedure
• Making healthier lifestyle choices (diet, stress management, etc.) as recommended by your doctor, or through Elranger's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.

The electrophysiologists UT Erlanger Cardiology are leaders - and international physician trainers - in the diagnosis and treatment of SSS and other heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias). Contact us to learn more.

Erlanger Cardiology
Erlanger Medical Mall
979 East 3rd Street
Suite C-520
Chattanooga, TN 37403
423-778-5661