Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) or sinus node dysfunction is a cardiac disorder causing the sinus node of the heart to malfunction. This node is the heart’s natural pacemaker, situated on the top right of your cardiac chambers. It acts as a sort of musical conductor that ensures that your heart is beating in rhythm with a steady and coordinated pulse.
Dr Salil Shirodkar, senior consultant cardiologist, Nanavati Max Hospital, Mumbai, explains, “For people diagnosed with SSS, the sinus does not give the adequate number of beats required.”
What causes sick sinus syndrome?
Multiple factors can lead to SSS, say experts. “Among the common causes is aging, which makes SSS more prevalent in older adults,” shares Dr Shirodkar. He adds that SSS is a degenerative process. “As we age, pacemaker cell function goes down,” he adds.
Damage to heart tissue resulting from cardiac conditions including heart attacks, scarring of the heart tissue due to past cardiac surgeries and the use of certain medications like beta-blockers or antiarrhythmics and drug toxicity can also cause this disorder. Dr Ayushi Agarwal, cardiologist, Prayag Hospital, Noida, adds, “Inflammatory conditions affecting the heart and genetic factors may also play a role in the onset of SSS in some cases.”
Dr Shirodkar explains that SSS can occur due to infiltrative causes as well. Conditions like sarcoidosis (an inflammatory disease that causes the immune system to overreact and form lumps called granulomas in the organs) and amyloidosis (a disease that occurs when the amyloid protein builds up in organs and tissues) can lead to dysfunction of the nodes. “It can also be caused by endocrine problems like low thyroid function, high potassium levels, and high calcium levels,” he adds.
Symptoms of sick sinus syndrome
The symptoms of sick sinus syndrome include bradycardia (an abnormally slow heart rate) and tachycardia (episodes of rapid heart rate). Dr Shirodkar explains, “If you are exerting or you’re emotionally stressed or doing stressful activities, your heart rate should increase. However, in a person with SSS, this does not happen as expected.” This can cause fatigue, giddiness or blackouts. Other symptoms include palpitations, fluttering or pounding sensations in the chest, tiredness and diminished energy.
Dr Agarwal adds that people with SSS may also experience dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly when transitioning from a seated to a standing position.
Managing sick sinus syndrome
Dr Agarwal says that precautions and strategies for people with sick sinus syndrome include medication to regulate heart rate and avoid rhythm disturbances. “Regular follow-up appointments with your doctors are crucial for monitoring the condition and adjusting treatment as necessary,” she adds. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is crucial, too. One should have a balanced diet, exercise regularly, avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption and quit smoking. Further, since older people are more prone to the condition, they need to be more vigilant, stresses Dr Shirodkar. He adds “If someone experiences giddiness, they should not ignore it and get tested immediately.”
It is also important to be mindful of the symptoms and seek medical attention if there are any changes in heart rate or other concerning symptoms. “Getting a pacemaker is life-saving in such cases. You can be relatively healthy for up to 15–20 years — as long as the battery works. After that, you can get the battery replaced,” adds Dr Shirodkar.
Takeaways
- Sick sinus syndrome is a heart rhythm disorder characterized by the dysfunction of the sinus node. The sinus node or the heart’s natural pacemaker is responsible for regulating heart rate.
- Multiple factors can cause SSS, including aging, inflammatory conditions, genetic factors or damage to the heart tissue.
- Symptoms of SSS include irregular heart rate, palpitations, fluttering, dizziness, fatigue and blackouts.
- Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is important for the management of this condition.
