In a sick sinus syndrome (sinus node syndrome, SSS) works the so-called sinus node in the heart incorrectly. He is actually responsible for the education and the speed of the heartbeat. In this rhythm disorder, the heart beats too slowly in succession, sometimes too fast in phases. Read all about the syndrome here.
Sick sinus syndrome: description
In a sick sinus syndrome, the sinus node in the heart is damaged. The syndrome is common in older people whose heart is weakened. Often they already suffer from another arrhythmia.
Sick sinus syndrome: symptoms
Sick sinus syndrome can go unnoticed in mild forms. However, if the heart beats too slowly or too fast, you may experience symptoms of arrhythmia. These include breathlessness, chest pain, dizziness and tiredness.
Sick sinus syndrome: causes and risk factors
The sinus node in the heart is responsible for producing a heartbeat and its rapidity. It forms approximately 60 to 80 electrical signals per minute, which are conducted to the heart muscle cells. When the muscle cells receive the electrical signal, they contract, forming a heartbeat.
The heart is out of rhythm
In sick sinus syndrome, the sinus node is scarred. As a result, the function of many cells in the sinus node is lost. If the sinus node sends impulses too rarely, the heart rate slows down. This condition is called sinus bradycardia. It can cause symptoms like dizziness, tiredness or even fainting. Partly, the sick-sinus syndrome alternates between a slow and a fast heartbeat.
Sometimes, the transition of the electrical signals from the sinus node to the heart muscle cells is disturbed in the meantime or permanently. This is called a sino-atrial block (SA block). This can increase dizziness and fatigue. In the worst case, no signals are forwarded.
If the sinus node does not transmit any impulses, it is a so-called sinus node arrest (sinus node arrest). The sinus node arrest and the total SA block are life-threatening.
Sick sinus syndrome: diagnosis and examination
The diagnosis is made, as with many cardiac arrhythmias, by means of an electrocardiogram (ECG). With the ECG, the heart currents are measured and recorded via electrodes. A cardiac arrhythmia can therefore be recognized very well. Often, the ECG must be written over several days. There are special long-term ECG devices that are worn around the neck.
Sometimes the ECG is also written under physical stress, for example on a home trainer. The heart rate can rise only insufficient, which is an indication of the sick sinus syndrome.
In a so-called atropine test, atropine is administered via the vein. Atropine actually causes an increase in heart rate. If there is a sick-sinus syndrome, the increase in heart rate is lost.
Sick sinus syndrome: treatment
Sick sinus syndrome requires the implantation of a pacemaker that takes on the role of the sinus node. The pacemaker is usually implanted under the skin above the right breast. The device is connected to the heart via two probes. If the function of the pacemaker fails, the pacemaker can take over its task. For palpitations drugs must be given.
Sick sinus syndrome: disease course and prognosis
Sick sinus syndrome often increases the risk of stroke. Therefore, in such cases, blood-thinning drugs are administered. Left untreated, sick sinus syndrome can severely worsen existing heart failure.
If the bradycardia treatment with a pacemaker, there is a good prognosis. Those affected are usually symptom free after implantation. Since the Sick sinus syndrome Often, another heart disease is underlying, this must be treated.