Is Sick Sinus Syndrome Hereditary?

[RustyDaffodil]

I'm 56 years old.  Recently had an electrocardiogram, during which my pulse was 41.  My pulse stayed in the 40's for over 5 days, including the EKG in my internist's office and the subsequent 48 hours of wearing a Holter monitor.  The doctor said it looked normal.  I am scheduled for a nuclear stress test as I have artificial knees and cannot run.  My father recently had a pacemaker inserted due to his pulse dropping to 40 and then suddenly to 28.  My intenist and doctors, other than the cardiologist who says my EKG is normal, are making suggestions that I could use a pacemaker. My dad was diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome.  Is that hereditary?  My whole family is now afraid my pulse will drop too low and I won't be anywhere close to a care facility (I'm going on a 2 week cruise next month) My normal pulse rate is about 72 as documented in 20 years of records at my internist's office.  My pulse is now 56 most of the time.  Via reclining bike at the gym I got my pulse up to 88 after 15 minutes; it returned to 56 within 2 minutes.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Rusty,

There are forms of congenital/hereditary sick sinus syndrome. These tend to occur early in life and are often associated with other congenital anomalies.  They wouldnt appear late in life as in your father.

Some people have slow heart rates, especially well conditioned people.  There are a few points. Even with sick sinus, unless you have symptoms, a pacemaker isnt always necessary. Also, the fact that your heart rate increases as it should suggest that your sinus node reponds somewhat appropriately to stimulus.

I wouldnt assume your heart rate is going to progressively slow.  Even if it does, you most likely will experience fatigue as your primary symptom.  Sometimes taking worried family members to the doctors office can help allay thier fears.

good luck

[RustyDaffodil]

Thanks for the information.  I am a bit forgetful right now.  My internist says it might be related to the bradycardia. I have mild sleep apnea and am having another sleep study done next week in case that is having some effect on my pulse rate.  My BP is holding steady at 120/72 in spite of my fluctuating pulse. I am often feeling lightheaded, sleep much of the time though I've never been a nap-taker, and have passed out a few times in the last couple of weeks.  I have mild vertigo if I move too quickly.  Are these things I should tell the cardiologist when we do the adenosine stress test tomorrow?