- The sinus node is the area of the heart which produces the electrical impulses, similar to a pacemaker. It is responsible for controlling the rhythm of the heart, which is normally between 50 to 120 beats per minute (bpm).
- Conditions associated with sinus node disease are inappropriate sinus bradycardia (slow heart rate, not caused by medication); sinoatrial exit block (missed heartbeats); tachy-brady (fluxuating fast and slow heartbeats) syndrome; and sinus arrest and/or asystole (paused heartbeat).
- Diseases that are a contributing factor to sinus node disease include sarcoidosis (nodules); Chagas disease (parasitic infection); cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease); amyloidosis (buildup of amyloid protein); and coronary artery disease.
- Individuals with sinus node disease can have the condition without any symptoms. Heart arrhythmia, tachycardia (increased heartbeat), palpitations (throbbing heartbeat), anxiety, syncope (fainting) and dizziness are sinus node disease symptoms.
- The treatment options for sinus node disease include medications to treat the symptoms and implanting an artificial pacemaker to regulate the heart's rhythm.
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