Sinus node dysfunction

The syndrome of sinus node dysfunction has become increasingly recognized as a cause of symptoms and morbidity, particularly in the elderly population. This syndrome does not represent a homogeneous disease entity. Increased investigation has shown that many pathologic conditions and pathophysiologic mechanism may lead to one of the several clinical and electrocardiographic manifestations of the sick sinus syndrome. Attempts to improve diagnostic accuracy, identify underlying mechanisms and to predict the outcome of therapy have led to the development of various diagnostic tests. However, at present these have proven of limited clinical value and the mainstay of diagnosis remains ECG monitoring. Treatment is directed at the control of symptoms with pacemaker therapy for bradyarrhythmias and combined pacemaker and antiarrhythmic drug therapy for the bradycardiatachycardia syndrome.