Sinus node weakness syndrome
Sinus node weakness syndrome, also known as sinus node disease or sinus node dysfunction, is a heart rhythm problem (arrhythmia) in which the sinus node, the structure that provides the heart's natural rhythm, does not function properly.
The sinus node is a cluster of special cells in the upper right ventricle of the heart, where it controls the heart's rhythm. Under normal conditions, the sine node produces steady waves of regular electrical impulses In sinus node disease, these signals are transmitted incorrectly
A person with the syndrome may have a fast, slow, pausing, or mixed heart rhythm. Sinus node weakness syndrome is rare, but the risk of developing it increases with age
Most people with the disease eventually need an artificial pacemaker to establish a regular heart rhythm.
The heart consists of 4 chambers, two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles). The rhythm of the heart is usually regulated by the sinoatrial node, the same as the sinus node The sinus node is a cluster of special cells in the right atrium
The natural pacemaker (sinus node) generates the electrical impulses that drive each heartbeat From the sinus node, electrical impulses are transmitted from the atria to the ventricles As a result of the electrical impulse, the ventricles contract, causing blood to be pumped from the heart to the lungs and body.
In sinus node weakness, the sinus node cannot contract properly, so the heart rate may be slow (bradycardia), fast (tachycardia), or irregular.
Types of sinus node syndrome and their causes:
- Sinoatrial block Electrical impulses travel too slowly in the sinus node, causing an abnormally slow heartbeat
- Sinus arrest The action of the sinus node stops
- Bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome Alternation of abnormally fast and slow rhythms is noted in the heart During this time, there are long pauses between heartbeats (asystole).
What causes the sinus node to malfunction? The cause of the condition may be a disease that causes scarring or damage to the heart's electrical system. Scar tissue from past heart surgery can cause the condition, especially in children
Sinus node weakness syndrome may develop as a result of taking medications such as calcium channel blockers, beta blockers used to treat blood pressure, heart disease, and other conditions. However, in most cases, sinus node dysfunction is caused by age-related damage to the heart muscle.
Most patients with sinus node weakness syndrome do not have symptoms In some cases, the symptoms are characterized by prolonged discharge
Symptoms of the disease:
- Slower than normal pulse (bradycardia)
- Fatigue
- Dizziness and feeling of heart failure
- Loss of consciousness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pains
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
If you experience feelings of heart failure, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations, contact your doctor. Many medical problems cause such symptoms, so an accurate diagnosis is necessary
