What is a sinus node dysfunction?

Sick sinus syndrome is the inability of the heart’s natural pacemaker (sinus node) to create a heart rate that’s appropriate for the body’s needs. It causes irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Sick sinus syndrome is also known as sinus node dysfunction or sinus node disease.

What causes the sinus node dysfunction?

Sinus node dysfunction (SND) occurs as a result of disorders in automaticity, conduction, or both of the sinoatrial (SA) node. Local cardiac pathology, systemic diseases that involve the heart, and medications or toxins can all be responsible for abnormal SA node function and may result in SND.

How do you treat SSS?

For most people with symptoms, the treatment is an implanted electronic pacemaker. If your symptoms are mild or infrequent, the decision to use a pacemaker will depend on results of ECG exams, your overall health, and the risk of more-serious problems.

What drugs are used to treat sick sinus syndrome?

These include the following drugs, which are all prescribed for various heart problems:

• digitalis (also known as digoxin)
• calcium channel blockers.
• beta-blockers.
• anti-arrhythmic drugs.

What medication is used for sick sinus syndrome?

These include the following drugs, which are all prescribed for various heart problems: digitalis (also known as digoxin) calcium channel blockers. beta-blockers.

What drugs can cause sinus node dysfunction?

Certain medications to treat high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and other heart conditions can cause or worsen sinus node dysfunction. These include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and anti-arrhythmia drugs. Taking your heart medications is extremely important.

Does exercise help sick sinus syndrome?

Treatment and prognosis As with any heart problem, diet and exercise will help. Sick sinus syndrome does tend to get worse with time, but it is manageable. Your doctor may stop any medications that worsen the syndrome. Some patients with the disease will need a pacemaker to help regulate their heartbeat over time.

What is sinus node dysfunction (SND)?

Sick sinus syndrome, also known as sinus node dysfunction (SND), is a disorder of the sinoatrial (SA) node caused by impaired pacemaker function and impulse transmission producing a constellation of abnormal rhythms.

What is the prognosis of sinus node dysfunction?

Prognosis. Prognosis of sinus node dysfunction is mixed; without treatment, mortality is about 2%/yr, primarily resulting from an underlying structural heart disorder. Each year, about 5% of patients develop AF with its risks of heart failure and stroke.

What does the sinus node do in sick sinus syndrome?

Overview. The sinus node is an area of specialized cells in the upper right chamber of the heart that controls the rhythm of your heart. Normally, the sinus node produces a steady pace of regular electrical impulses. In sick sinus syndrome, these signals are abnormally paced.

What is sinus node dysfunction in atrial fibrillation?

Sinus node dysfunction refers to a number of conditions causing physiologically inappropriate atrial rates. Symptoms may be minimal or include weakness, effort intolerance, palpitations, and syncope. Diagnosis is by electrocardiography. Symptomatic patients require a pacemaker.