Heart rhythm condition
Sick Sinus Syndrome in Reseda, CA
In sick sinus syndrome, the SA node does not reliably perform its role as the heart’s natural pacemaker. The heart may beat too slowly, pause, or sometimes alternate between slow and fast rhythms. A heart rhythm specialist may evaluate this pattern after symptoms or monitoring.
What sick sinus syndrome is
Recovered education explained that the SA node may not send electrical impulses often enough, may skip some, or may send too many at the same time. The result can be a heart that beats too slowly or pauses too long between beats.
In some cases the heart alternates between being too slow and too fast. Sick sinus syndrome is commonly associated with aging, according to the recovered Conditions page.
Symptoms and reasons for evaluation
People may notice fatigue, lightheadedness, palpitations, or fainting. Fast rhythms, when they occur, can feel like racing or irregular beats.
The pattern may be found on an EKG, Holter monitor, or hospital recording. This page cannot diagnose sick sinus syndrome.
How specialists may evaluate SSS
Evaluation usually includes a history, review of medications that affect heart rate, an EKG, and sometimes longer monitoring to capture slow periods, pauses, or alternating fast rhythms.
Related conditions and reversible causes are considered before treatment decisions.
Potential treatment approaches
Recovered education stated that physicians may prescribe anti-arrhythmic drugs to help prevent rapid rhythms, or may implant a pacemaker to prevent slow rhythms. Those choices depend on the individual and require physician review.
Medication and device criteria on this page are educational only and are flagged for physician approval.
When to contact a physician
Call Cardiac Rhythm Specialists if you have been referred for sick sinus evaluation or have symptoms that suggest a slow or pausing rhythm. Call 911 for fainting or emergency symptoms.
Related heart rhythm care
Bradycardia, heart block, and pacemaker topics are closely related. Staff can help you take the next step toward an appointment if you call the office.