What is a sick sinus syndrome?

As a medical professional with a focus on cardiology, I can provide you with an accurate description of sick sinus syndrome. Sick sinus syndrome, also known as sinus node dysfunction, is a group of abnormal heart rhythms that originate from the sinus node, which is the heart's natural pacemaker. The sinus node is responsible for generating electrical impulses that regulate the heartbeat. When this node doesn't function properly, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and palpitations. The condition can be caused by several factors, including age-related degeneration of the sinus node, heart surgery, certain medications, or underlying heart diseases. It can also be a result of a genetic predisposition. Diagnosis typically involves an electrocardiogram (ECG) to evaluate the heart's electrical activity, and sometimes an electrophysiology study to further assess the function of the sinus node. Treatment for sick sinus syndrome may include the use of medications to regulate the heart rate, lifestyle changes, or in more severe cases, the implantation of a pacemaker to ensure the heart maintains a regular rhythm.

Sick sinus syndrome ( SSS ) is a relatively uncommon heart rhythm disorder. SSS is not a specific disease, but rather a group of signs or symptoms that indicate the sinus node, the heart's natural pacemaker, is not functioning properly.