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Recognising sick sinus syndrome
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Pacemakers and Implantable Defibrillators
Pacemakers and Implantable Defibrillators
Abstract
Sick sinus syndrome is not a life-threatening condition but it can cause significant morbidity, especially in the elderly. Permanent pacemakers remain the treatment of choice.
Key Points
- The prevalence of sick sinus syndrome increases with age and it is the most common indication for implantation of a permanent pacemaker.
- Symptoms of sick sinus syndrome may be intermittent and nonspecific – for example, fatigue, confusion and exercise intolerance.
- ECG monitoring and a high level of suspicion remain the cornerstones of diagnosis.
- Exercise testing can be helpful to diagnose chronotropic incompetence causing exertional symptoms.
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