Sick Sinus Syndrome
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Sick sinus syndrome is a heart rhythm disorder. Your heart may beat too slowly or too quickly. It may go back and forth from too slow to too fast. You may have pauses in between beats. Keep track of your heart rate. Follow activity guidelines to help keep your heartbeat as steady as possible.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
- Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
- You may also have any of the following:
- Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
- You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
- Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
- Weakness in an arm or leg
- Confusion or difficulty speaking
- Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
Call your doctor or cardiologist if:
- You have new or worsening symptoms.
- You have swelling in your ankles or feet.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
Do not start taking any new medicines without talking with your healthcare provider. This includes over-the-counter medicines, such as allergy or cold medicines. You may be given medicines to control sick sinus syndrome, depending on the kind you have.
- Heart medicines may be used to make your heartbeat regular. Some medicines are used to make your heart faster, and others are used to make it slower. If your heartbeat goes back and forth between fast and slow, your provider will adjust medicines carefully. This will help keep your heartbeat in a steady rhythm.
- Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
- Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
- Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
- Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
- Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip a dose or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Use a heart monitor as directed:
You may need to use a heart monitor at home to provide more information about your condition. This device is also called a Holter monitor, event monitor, or mobile telemetry. Bring your monitor with you to follow-up visits.
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Manage sick sinus syndrome:
- Check your pulse as directed. Your healthcare provider will show you how to check your pulse. He or she will tell you how often to check it. Keep a record of your pulse rate. Include any details about your pulse. Examples include if it feels regular or like it is skipping beats. Also write down the activity you were doing if your heart rate goes below 60 or above 100 beats per minute. Bring the record with you to your follow-up appointments.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes can cause damage to your heart. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Limit alcohol as directed. Alcohol can worsen heart problems and may lead to heart failure. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.
- Eat heart-healthy foods. These include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Replace butter and margarine with heart-healthy oils such as olive oil and canola oil. Ask for more information on heart-healthy diets such as the DASH eating plan.
- Limit sodium (salt) as directed. Too much sodium can affect your fluid balance. Check labels to find low-sodium or no-salt-added foods. Your healthcare provider will tell you how much sodium is safe for you to have in a day. He or she may recommend that you limit sodium to 2,300 mg a day.
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Ask your healthcare provider what a healthy weight is for you. He or she can help you create a weight loss plan if you are overweight. Exercise can help keep your heart healthy, and help you reach or maintain a healthy weight. Your provider may recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week.
Follow up with your doctor or cardiologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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