About this topic
Your heart has an electrical system that controls each heartbeat. The signal starts at the top of the heart in what is called the sinus node and moves to the bottom of the heart. This signal tells your heart to squeeze and pump blood. The signal repeats with each heartbeat. ‚
With sick sinus syndrome, your heart may beat slower than normal. This is called bradycardia . Sometimes, your heart may beat too fast. This is called tachycardia. Other times, a fast heartbeat may quickly change to a slow heartbeat . When this happens, it is called tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome. ‚
Sick sinus syndrome most often happens in people over 50 years old. The cause may be damage to the hearts electrical system from scarring or a lack of blood supply to an area. A drug may also cause this problem and your doctor may need to change your drugs or order a new one. ‚
A pacemaker is often used to help the signs of the slow heartbeat. The fast heartbeat may be treated with drugs or a procedure called ablation. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor may want to treat other illnesses that may make a slow heart rate worse.
- Tell your doctor all of the drugs you are taking, both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Your doctor may change some of your drugs if they slow your heart rate.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- You may need to see a heart doctor called a cardiologist.
- Your doctor may order tests, such as a stress test or wearing a heart monitor recorder over a period of time. Make sure you keep all of these appointments and follow up with your doctor for test results.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Keep your heartbeat normal and steady
- Control the rate of your heartbeat
- Thin your blood
Will physical activity be limited?
Your physical activities may be limited if you have shortness of breath and weakness. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Exercise may help keep your heart as healthy as possible. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. This means: ‚
- Eat whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
- Choose many different fruits and vegetables. Fresh or frozen is best
- Cut back on solid fats like butter or margarine. Eat less fatty or processed foods.
- Eat more low fat or lean meats like chicken, fish, or turkey. Eat less red meat.
- Limit beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Avoid caffeine.
- If you need help, ask to see a dietitian.
What problems could happen?
- Fainting spells
- Falls or injury caused by fainting
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Chest pain
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Stay active and do 30 minutes of exercise daily.
- Learn how to manage your stress. Try things like guided imagery, yoga, and tai chi to help.
- Stop smoking.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
- Signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have signs of a heart attack or stroke.
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Association ‚
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/AboutArrhythmia/Bradycardia_UCM_302016_Article.jsp ‚
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/AboutArrhythmia/Tachycardia-Fast-Heart-Rate_UCM_302018_Article.jsp ‚
Heart Rhythm Society ‚
http://www.hrsonline.org/Patient-Resources/Symptoms-Diagnosis/Slow-Heartbeat#axzz2OCWVdi9v ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚