Sick Sinus Syndrom

Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is not a specific disease. It is the term is used to describe several heart rhythm disorders. With sick sinus syndrome, the irregular heartbeat is caused by a problem with the electrical signals of the heart. The problem originates in an area of the heart called the sinoatrial node, considered to be the heart's natural pacemaker. When the sinoatrial node is defective, the heart's rhythms become abnormal. Sick sinus syndrome disorders include:

* Bradycardia —abnormally slow heart rate
* Tachycardia —abnormally fast heart rate
* Bradycardia-tachycardia—a combination of the two in which the heart alternates between too fast and too slow.

Whether the heart beats too fast or too slow, or a combination, this disorder can be treated very effectively. If you think you may have this condition, you should contact your doctor to discuss treatment.