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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffMost people with sick sinus syndrome initially have few or no symptoms. In some cases, symptoms may come and go.
When they do occur, sick sinus syndrome symptoms may include:
- Slower than normal pulse (bradycardia)
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting or near fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pains
- Interrupted sleeping
- Confusion or difficulty remembering things
- A sensation of rapid, fluttering heartbeats (palpitations)
Many of these signs and symptoms are caused by reduced blood flow to the brain when the heart beats too fast or too slowly.
When to see a doctor
If you have spells of lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, shortness of breath, or palpitations, talk to your doctor. Many medical conditions can cause these signs and symptoms — including sick sinus syndrome — and it's important to identify the problem.
References
- Sick sinus syndrome. Heart Rhythm Society. http://www.hrsonline.org/PatientInfo/HeartRhythmDisorders/SSS/index.cfm. Accessed Feb. 6, 2011.
- Bashore TM, et al. Heart disease. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2011. 50th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw Hill Companies; 2011. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3671. Accessed Feb. 5, 2011.
- Adan V, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of sick sinus syndrome. American Family Physician. 2003;67:1725.
- Sinus node dysfunction. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec07/ch075/ch075b.html#sec07-ch075-ch075b-1076. Accessed Feb. 6, 2011.
- What is a pacemaker? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pace/pace_all.html. Accessed Feb. 6, 2011.
- Saperia GM. Treatment of the sick sinus syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 5, 2011.
- Grogan M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 11, 2011.
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