Abnormality of the heart’s electrical impulse system originating in the upper chambers of the heart (atria).
A group of signs and symptoms caused by inadequate function of the heart’s natural pacemaker. In the healthy heart, a region known as the sinus node initiates the heartbeat. If the sinus node malfunctions, the heart may beat too slowly, pause for too long between beats, skip beats, or fire too rapidly. If it stops functioning altogether, another part of the heart’s electrical system takes over the sinus node’s role, but usually at a heart rate that is substantially lower than normal.
Any of several electrocardiographical abnormalities caused by a malfunction of the sinoatrial node of the heart, in which there are episodes of tachycardia alternating with episodes of heart block or severely decreased heart rate, often with loss of consciousness.
Malfunction of the heart’s sinoatrial node, which serves as its innate “pacemaker,” results in instances of bradycardia (slow heart rate), cyclic patterns of bradycardia and tachycardia (rapid heart rate), or brief episodes of cardiac arrest.
Sick sinus syndrome commonly arises from coronary artery disease or, as an alternative, cardiomyopathy, which weakens heart muscle contractions. Indications of this condition encompass feelings of lightheadedness, episodes of fainting, and palpitations. Diagnosis is validated through a 24-hour ECG recording. Typically, the disorder is managed using antiarrhythmic medications and the implantation of an artificial pacemaker.