[Sick sinus syndrome--clinical presentation, diagnostic and therapeutic measures in an ambulatory patient sample]

Incidence, clinical picture, ECG features, as well as chosen diagnostic and therapeutic measures were investigated in patients attending the Basel University Medical Outpatients Department with the diagnosis of sick sinus syndrome. A retrospective study was conducted by selecting patients' charts with this diagnosis during the period 1979-1983. Forty-four patients (17 women, 27 men, mean age 64.5 +/- 14.5 years) were "discovered" and divided into three groups: Group 1: asymptomatic patients with pathological ECG (n = 7), Group 2: symptomatic patients with pathological ECG (n = 22), Group 3: main symptom syncope (n = 15). All patients had had an ECG and 15 a 24-hour-ECG. Carotid sinus massage was performed in three patients and sinus node recovery time was measured in another three. Seventeen patients remained without treatment, 13 received a permanent pacemaker, 9 of whom had additional medication, while 12 were anticoagulated. Three patients who were not anticoagulated suffered a stroke. More invasive electrophysiological investigations should be undertaken only with caution. In group 1, further diagnostic or therapeutic consequences need to be drawn. In the symptomatic patients from group 2, 24-hour-ECG is indicated when there is a history of palpitations, dizziness or severe heart failure. The immediate implantation of a pacemaker is justifiable in group 3 patients. Drugs with antiarrhythmic activity should be avoided in these patients before pacemaker implantation.