How To Treat Sick Sinus Syndrome

The sinus node is responsible for controlling the heart's activity. It can speed up the heart when an individual is active and also slow it down depending on the level of activity. In sick sinus syndrome, the sinus node is unable to control the heart’s activity effectively. It may fire irregularly causing a host of health problems. Sick sinus syndrome comes in different forms, including sinus bradycardia, which causes a slowed heart rate; atrial tachycardia, which creates a faster heart rate; sinus pauses or arrest; and bradycardia-tachycardia, which causes the irregular increase or decrease in the heartbeat. But, what causes sick sinus syndrome?

Firstly, sick sinus syndrome is more prevalent in older individuals, but it can occur at any age. The risk factors linked with this condition include advancing age, previous heart attack, certain medications used for heart diseases and blood pressure, thyroid disease, hyperkalemia, previous heart surgery, sleep apnea, and certain underlying medical conditions. Let’s look at the treatment options for sick sinus syndrome now.

Medications

Currently, it's tough to find medications routinely used for the treatment of sick sinus syndrome, because most of the medications become ineffective over time. The best treatment approach for sick sinus syndrome involves addressing external causes.

In acute cases of this condition, the doctor may prescribe anti-arrhythmic medicines for an individual with an increased heart rate. However, patients under medical therapy require close and frequent monitoring to ensure the heart doesn’t slow down too much. Patients taking medications that are triggering the sick sinus syndrome should consult with their doctor and safely stop taking the medication as soon as they can.

Keep reading for more on treating sick sinus syndrome now.