Sick Sinus Syndrome Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Often, patients with SSS have no symptoms at all. Some patients do experience cardiac symptoms. This may include a period of very rapid heart beats followed by very slow heart rate. Many of the symptoms of sick sinus disorder are mild and nonspecific. Some symptoms associated with SSS include:

• Heart palpitations
• Chest pain
• Fainting or dizziness
• Confusion or light-headedness
• Facial flushing
• Fatigue

These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your doctor.

Diagnosis

SSS may go undetected for some time. The symptoms are similar to ones for many disorders. Your doctor can do tests that will help to give a more definitive diagnosis. Most likely, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Some additional tests may include the following:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) —measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect abnormal heart rhythms
• Holter monitoring—continuous monitoring to observe episodes of tachycardia and bradycardia over an extended period of time
• Electrophysiology study (EPS)—invasive test where electrical wires are placed into the heart to test the conduction system of the heart