Sick Sinus Syndrome – Symptoms and Causes
Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a heart rhythm disorder. It is also known as sinus node dysfunction. The sinus node is a group of cells in the heart. These cells are responsible for sending electrical signals.
These signals control the heart’s rhythm. In SSS, the sinus node does not work properly. This can cause the heart to beat too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly.
Sick sinus syndrome can cause various symptoms. Some people may feel tired or dizzy. Others may experience chest pain or shortness of breath. Fainting spells are also common.
These symptoms occur because the heart’s rhythm is not stable. The heart may also not be pumping enough blood to the body. This can lead to a lack of oxygen in the brain and other organs.
The causes of sick sinus syndrome can vary. Aging is a common cause. As people get older, their heart’s electrical system may wear out. Other causes include heart disease and certain medications. In some cases, SSS can also be genetic. This means it can run in families.
Understanding the symptoms and causes of sick sinus syndrome is important. It can help people recognize the disorder early, leading to better treatment outcomes.
If you think you may have SSS, see a doctor. They can help diagnose the condition and recommend treatment options.
How the Heart Beats in Sick Sinus Syndrome
The heart’s normal rhythm begins in a group of cells called the sinus node. This natural pacemaker creates electrical signals that spread through the heart, causing it to beat.
These signals travel from the upper chambers to the lower chambers (ventricles), making them contract and pump blood throughout the body.
Normally, the sinus node adjusts your heart rate based on your activities and needs. In sick sinus syndrome, this electrical system doesn’t work properly.
The heart might beat too slowly, too quickly, or with long pauses between beats. Sometimes it alternates between fast and slow rhythms. This condition becomes more common as people age.
Several factors can cause sick sinus syndrome:
- Natural aging of heart tissues
- Heart surgery damage or scarring
- Existing heart disease
- Heart inflammation
- Certain medications (blood pressure drugs, heart rhythm medications)
- Some Alzheimer’s disease treatments
- Muscle disorders like muscular dystrophy
- Sleep apnea
- Genetic factors
Sick sinus syndrome can show up in different ways:
| Pattern | Description |
|---|---|
| Slow Heartbeat | The sinus node creates an abnormally slow heart rate |
| Signal Pauses | Temporary stops in electrical signals causing skipped beats |
| Blocked Signals | Electrical impulses that can’t properly reach the upper chambers |
| Poor Rate Response | Heart rate doesn’t increase properly during physical activity |
| Mixed Rhythms | Heart rate switches between too fast and too slow, often with pauses |
These rhythm problems can cause symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. The condition often develops gradually over time, making it hard to notice at first. The specific pattern of heart rhythm problems varies from person to person.
