Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Sick Sinus Syndrome
Sick sinus syndrome is a group of heart rhythm disturbances that affect heart rhythm and the rate at which the heart beats (heart rate). When you have sick sinus syndrome, your heart rate may be too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia), or it may switch between fast and slow.
What are the causes?
Your heartbeat is controlled by a structure in the heart called the sinoatrial (SA) node. Sick sinus syndrome happens when the SA node does not work properly (SA node dysfunction). Damage to the SA node is the most common cause of sick sinus syndrome.
What increases the risk?
You are more likely to develop this condition if you:
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Are 65 years of age or older.
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Have a family history of sick sinus syndrome.
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Have other cardiovascular diseases.
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Have abnormal electrical activity of the heart.
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Have high blood pressure (hypertension).
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Were born with heart defects (congenital heart disease).
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Take certain medicines that can affect the heartbeat.
The risk is also increased if you:
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Have sleep apnea.
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Are very overweight (obese).
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Are Caucasian.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition include:
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Fainting or feeling like you are going to faint.
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Chest pain.
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Shortness of breath.
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Lightheadedness.
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Fast or irregular heartbeats (palpitations).
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Feeling tired (fatigue).
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Confusion.
Some people with this condition do not have any symptoms. Most people have few symptoms or very mild symptoms.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition may be diagnosed with:
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A test that measures electrical activity in the heart (electrocardiogram, orECG).
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A test to look at the electrical system of your heart (electrophysiology study).
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A test in which you wear a device called a Holter monitor for 1–3 days. The device will record your heart’s electrical signals.
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A test in which you wear a device called an event monitor for at least 2–4 weeks. The device will record your heart’s electrical signals.
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A device that records the electrical activity of your heart over a longer period of time (implantable loop recorder).
How is this treated?
This condition may be treated by:
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Having surgery to put a small, electrical device in your chest to correct your heartbeat (pacemaker).
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Taking medicines to keep your heart from beating too quickly.
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Stopping your use of certain medicines as told by your health care provider.
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Identifying and treating any underlying conditions.
If the syndrome is not causing any symptoms, you may not need treatment.
Follow these instructions at home:
Eating and drinking
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Eat a heart-healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean proteins like poultry and eggs.
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Do not drink alcohol if:
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Your health care provider tells you not to drink.
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You are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant.
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If you drink alcohol:
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Limit how much you have to:
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0–1 drink a day for women.
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0–2 drinks a day for men.
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Be aware of how much alcohol is in your drink. In the U.S., one drink equals one 12 oz bottle of beer (355 mL), one 5 oz glass of wine (148 mL), or one 1½ oz glass of hard liquor (44 mL).
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General instructions
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Stay active and stay at a healthy weight. Ask your health care provider what level of activity is safe for you.
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Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
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Keep all follow-up visits. If you are prescribed medicines, your health care provider will want to make sure they are working.
Contact a health care provider if:
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You feel lightheaded.
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You feel skipped heartbeats.
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You feel short of breath with activity.
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You feel fatigued.
Get help right away if:
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You have chest pain or trouble breathing.
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You faint or feel like you are going to faint.
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You suddenly become very confused.
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You suddenly lose the ability to speak or understand speech.
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You feel like your heart is beating very quickly or very slowly.
These symptoms may be an emergency. Get help right away. Call 911.
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Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away.
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Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Summary
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When you have sick sinus syndrome, your heart rate may be too fast or too slow, or it may switch between fast and slow.
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Treatment for this syndrome may include taking medicines and having a pacemaker placed in your chest.
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Stay active and stay at a healthy weight. Ask your health care provider what level of activity is safe for you.
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Get help right away if you faint, feel like you may faint, have chest pain, or trouble breathing. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
