Sick Sinus Syndrome (SSS): Can a Pacemaker Help?

Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) develops in 1 in 600 people over 65 with heart disease and can increase your risk for cardiac arrest, stroke, and heart failure.

At Chinatown Cardiology, with multiple New York City locations, our skilled cardiologists offer diagnostic testing services for sick sinus syndrome.

Our team will ensure you get treated promptly. We focus on relieving your symptoms and protecting your heart from long-term damage.

What to know about sick sinus syndrome

Sick sinus syndrome is a type of heart rhythm disorder that affects your sinus node, your heart’s natural pacemaker.

The sinus node is responsible for controlling your heartbeat; with SSS, your heartbeat slows down. You might also experience long pauses between heartbeats or irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias.

When you have SSS, symptoms might not be noticeable. Those who do experience symptoms may see them come and go. Symptoms of SSS can include:

Fluttering heartbeat
Rapid heartbeat
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Shortness of breath
Fainting
Chest discomfort or pain
Bradycardia (a slower pulse)

While this heart condition isn’t common, causes of sick sinus syndrome can include wear-and-tear on the heart tissues due to aging or heart disease.

You may also be prone to SSS if you have obstructive sleep apnea, have inflammatory diseases that affect your heart, or take certain medications.

Getting a diagnosis

Because symptoms of sick sinus syndrome are similar to other medical conditions, the best way to confirm this condition is to schedule a consultation at Chinatown Cardiology.

Our providers use advanced technologies in-office to evaluate your heart and its rhythm. In addition to a physical exam, we may request testing like an electrocardiogram (EKG), a noninvasive test that measures the electrical activity of your heart.

You may also need to wear a Holter monitor for 24-72 hours to record your heart activity when you’re engaged in your usual routine.

If you have SSS, you may need medications to regulate your heartbeat. When medications aren’t enough, we might recommend a pacemaker.

How a pacemaker treats sick sinus syndrome

A pacemaker is an implantable device that sits just under the surface of your skin near your collarbone. The device connects to your heart with one or more lead wires. These wires also attach to a generator.

The generator sends pulses of electricity through the wires to regulate the pace of your heart when the rhythm slows down.

Not everyone is a candidate for a pacemaker. For those who are, the device can prevent symptoms like fainting and keep your heart beating in a healthy rhythm.

Chinatown Cardiology offers comprehensive pacemaker services to ensure your device is effective. After surgery, we help you care for your device and provide guidance for any lifestyle changes you need to make while living with a pacemaker.

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Chinatown Cardiology if you have symptoms of sick sinus syndrome. Call one of our convenient locations, in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, or book an appointment online today.