Sinus Node Dysfunction (Sick Sinus Syndrome)

Anila Khaliq, MD and Zahid Mahmood, DO Reviewed 05/2023

BASICS

Sick sinus syndrome, also known as sinus node dysfunction (SND), is a disorder of the sinoatrial node caused by impaired pacemaker function and impulse transmission producing a constellation of...

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of sinus node dysfunction can only be made when the symptoms directly correlate with the arrhythmias observed on cardiac monitoring.

HISTORY

Patients with sick sinus syndrome ar...

TREATMENT

Treatment for sick sinus syndrome revolves around symptom management and correcting reversible extrinsic factors.
For asymptomatic patients, treatment is not required.
If the patient is receiv...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Frequent monitoring might be needed until a cause is identified.
If on anticoagulation, bleeding risks and benefits should be revisited frequent...

REFERENCES

Nielsen JC, Thomsen PE, Højberg S, et al.; DANPACE Investigators. A comparison of single-lead atrial pacing with dual-chamber pacing in sick sinus syndrome. Eur Heart J. 2011;32(6):686–96....

CODES

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