Sick sinus syndrome (patient information)

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Sick sinus syndrome
Overview
What are the symptoms?
What are the causes?
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Sick sinus syndrome?
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Possible complications
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] ; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]

Overview

Sick sinus syndrome is a collection of heart rhythm disorders that include:

• Sinus bradycardia -- slow heart rates from the natural pacemaker of the heart
• Sinus pauses or arrest -- when the natural pacemaker of the heart stops working for periods of time

People with these disorders may also have other abnormal heart rhythms, such as:

• Atrial tachycardia -- fast heart rate that starts in the upper chambers of the heart (atria)
• Bradycardia-tachycardia -- alternating slow and fast heart rhythms

What causes Sick sinus syndrome?

Sick sinus syndrome usually occurs in people older than 50. The cause is often scar-like damage to the heart's conduction system. In children, a common cause of sick sinus syndrome is heart surgery, especially on the upper chambers. Coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and aortic and mitral valve diseases may occur with sick sinus syndrome, although these diseases may have nothing to do with the syndrome. Sick sinus syndrome is uncommon.

Where to find medical care for Sick sinus syndrome?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Sick sinus syndrome