$Unique_ID{BRK02084}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Sick Sinus Syndrome}
$Subject{Sick Sinus Syndrome Sinus Node Dysfunction Syndrome coronary artery
disease pacemaker sinus node heart rate arteriosclerosis tachycardia Holter
monitor fatigue aging hardening of the arteries irregular heart beat}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Heart I*0004101.scf
Anatomy of the Heart II*0004102.scf
Atherosclerosis of Arteries*0009301.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Sick Sinus Syndrome


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QUESTION:  Could you please explain what S.S.S. (sick sinus syndrome) is, as I
have finally been diagnosed after fainting in the hospital.  The doctors have
told me that this is my problem.  I am now 77 years old, and am doing better
on medication, but have always tired easily.

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ANSWER:  Your present condition, Sick Sinus Syndrome (or Sinus Node
Dysfunction Syndrome), is most likely completely unrelated to your previous
fatigued periods, for it is a condition that is more common in older patients.
It is most frequently seen in patients who have coronary artery disease,
although there are several other conditions that can cause the problem.  And
the problem is that the sinus node, the principle pacemaker of the heart that
controls the rhythm and speed of the heart beat, is not functioning as it
should, probably because it is not getting sufficient blood flow from the
heart arteries which may be affected by arteriosclerosis (hardening of the
arteries).  When it fails to send out the electrical messages that make the
heart muscles contract, a heart beat is either skipped or the time between
heart beats is prolonged.  This reduces the amount of blood that is pumped
through the heart, and reduces the amount of oxygen carried to the brain.
When this occurs a patient feels weak, dizzy, or may faint and pass out
completely as in your case.  In other cases a sick sinus can begin to send out
impulses too frequently, and the heart rate is increased, a condition known as
"tachycardia".  While medications can be used to help increase the blood flow,
an external pacemaker is used to control the heart beat when the sinus node no
longer may be depended upon to keep the beat strong and regular.
     The diagnosis is usually made with the help of a Holter monitor, a small,
portable device that keeps a record of the heart action for a 24 hour period.
When the record is reviewed, the physician can find the irregular heart beats
that cause the physical symptoms, and evaluate the extent of the problem.
This helps in choosing the right medication or help to make the decision to
use a pacemaker instead.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.