The sick-sinus syndrome in Africans.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Electrophysiology
• Tropical Medicine

Background:

• Sick-sinus syndrome (SSS) is a cardiac condition affecting the heart's natural pacemaker.
• This study focuses on SSS in young Black individuals, a demographic where the condition may be underdiagnosed.
• Organic heart disease was notably absent in the presented cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present cases of sick-sinus syndrome in young Black individuals.
• To highlight the potential severity and diagnostic challenges of SSS in this population.
• To suggest therapeutic approaches in the absence of pacemakers.

Main Methods:

• Case series presentation of fifteen young Black patients diagnosed with sick-sinus syndrome.
• Clinical evaluation to rule out organic heart disease.
• Review of diagnostic challenges and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• Fifteen cases of sick-sinus syndrome were identified in young Black individuals.
• The etiology of SSS remained unknown in all cases, with no evidence of organic heart disease.
• A high default rate was observed, suggesting a potentially grave prognosis.

Conclusions:

• Sick-sinus syndrome is a significant concern in young Black populations, particularly in tropical areas.
• Misdiagnosis as epilepsy or psychiatric disorders is a risk, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis.
• Sympathomimetic drugs may offer symptomatic relief for syncopal attacks, even without impacting heart rate, in cases without pacemakers.