Sick sinus syndrome

Sick sinus syndrome, also known as sinus node disease or sinus node dysfunction, is a group of heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias) in which the hearts natural pacemaker (sinus node) doesnt work properly.

Sick sinus syndrome signs and symptoms might include:

• Slower than normal pulse (bradycardia)
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting or near fainting
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pains
• Confusion
• A sensation of rapid, fluttering heartbeats (palpitations).

Sick sinus syndrome eventually needs a pacemaker to keep the heart in a regular rhythm.

Types of sick sinus syndrome and their causes include:

• Sinoatrial block: Electrical signals move too slowly through the sinus node, causing an abnormally slow heart rate.
• Sinus arrest: The sinus node activity pauses, causing skipped beats.
• Bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome: The heart rate alternates between abnormally fast and slow rhythms, usually with a long pause (asystole) between heartbeats.

Cardiology research Journals like Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine (CCCM) provides a global open access platform to put forth the ongoing research, reviews articles related to Sick sinus syndrome.