Bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome; Sinus node dysfunction

Treatment may not be necessary if you do not have any symptoms. Your doctor may review the medicines you take to make sure they are not making your condition worse. Do not stop taking any medication unless told to do so by your doctor.

A permanent implanted pacemaker may be needed if your symptoms are related to bradycardia (slow heart rate).

A fast heart rate (tachycardia) may be treated with medications. Sometimes a procedure called radiofrequency ablation is used to cure tachycardia.

The syndrome is progresssive, which means it slowly gets worse.

The long-term outlook is excellent for those who have a permanent pacemaker implanted.

• Angina
• Decreased exercised capacity
• Falls or injury caused by fainting
• Heart failure
• Inadequate heart pumping

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you experience spells of light-headedness, episodes of fainting, palpitations, or other symptoms.

Review Date: 05/04/2010
Reviewed By: Issam Mikati, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine. Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)