Sinus node weakness syndrome – weakening or cessation of the automatism of the sinus node as a pacemaker due to its defeat by some pathological process. It is characterized by alternating periods of bradycardia and tachycardia, occurs due to a decrease in the number of specialized cells in the sinus node, proliferation of connective tissue.
Causes of Sick Sinus Syndrome
It can be caused by ischemia of the node area (not often with myocardial infarction, especially posterior diaphragmatic, as a transient or persistent complication), cardiosclerosis (atherosclerotic, postmyocarditis, especially after diphtheria), myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, as well as infiltrative myocardial lesions. Sinus node weakness syndrome can also be a manifestation of a congenital feature of the conduction system. The process that caused the syndrome of weakness of the sinus node, sometimes extends to other segments of the conduction system.
Varieties of sick sinus syndrome
The disease combines at least three main clinical groupings:
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- Weakness of the sinus node of an organic nature.
- Regulatory (vagal) weakness of the sinus node.
- Medicinal (toxic) weakness of the sinus node.
The main symptoms of sick sinus syndrome
The main manifestations of sick sinus syndrome are persistent sinus bradycardia or sinoauricular blockade, combined with ectopic arrhythmias.
Patients who have this syndrome may complain of weakness, dizziness, palpitations and “interruptions” in the heart. Less often there are attacks of loss of consciousness.
Treatment of sick sinus syndrome
Many patients do not need treatment. In severe clinical symptoms, the main treatment is the installation of permanent pacemakers.