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Sick sinus syndrome - Treatment

Alternative Names

Bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome; Sinus node dysfunction

Treatment:

Treatment may not be necessary if you do not have any symptoms. Your doctor may review the medicines you take to make sure they are not making your condition worse. Do not stop taking any medication unless told to do so by your doctor.

A permanent implanted pacemaker may be needed if your symptoms are related to bradycardia (slow heart rate).

A fast heart rate (tachycardia) may be treated with medications. Sometimes a procedure called radiofrequency ablation is used to cure tachycardia.

Expectations (prognosis):

The syndrome is progresssive, which means it slowly gets worse.

The long-term outlook is excellent for those who have a permanent pacemaker implanted.

Complications:

Angina
Falls or injury caused by fainting
Heart failure
Inadequate heart pumping

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you experience spells of light-headedness, episodes of fainting, palpitations, or other symptoms.

Reviewed last on: 5/12/2008
Larry A. Weinrauch, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Private practice specializing in Cardiovascular Disease, Watertown, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Olgin JE, Zipes DP. In: Specific Arrhythmias: Diagnosis and Treatment. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007: chap. 35.

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