Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Sick Sinus Syndrome, Pacemaker Implant ? Other options if available?

My younger brother 17,  has been diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome, with recorded long sinus pause of 2.46 secs in december and 5.9secs in february, prior to these pauses he had recurrent syncopes. But during the recording of these pauses he did not suffer from any syncope, he has not had any syncope from january 2017. Our cardio told us that he requires a pacemaker (DDDR) to act as a safety mechanism if any further syncopes occur. We (family) and he is totally unwilling of the procedure. Is it totally necessary? Or will he die without the pacemaker?
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
If you don't think the doctor is giving you the best advice, go for a second opinion with a different doctor. Don't be afraid to ask them all the questions you have. Did you ask them what would happen if he didn't get the pacemaker?
Helpful - 0
1807132 tn?1318743597
I would agree with the other poster that a second opinion is never a bad idea but from what I understand sick sinus syndrome isn't likely to get better on it's own and may get worse over time.  You may be able to try an ablation to see if they can correct it but I am not sure how successful they are for this kind of condition.  Ultimately I don't suspect he is in any immediate heart danger but passing out could be a serious danger if he hits his head or is driving and passes out so though he may not be in any immediate danger from his heart stopping and dying he could die from an accident if he continues to pass out so the condition does need to be taken seriously.  Passing out is never good.  But I would talk to another cardiologist and maybe even an EP and see what they say.  If they think a pacemaker is his best option then do consider it.  Take care.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Heart Rhythm Community

Top Arrhythmias Answerers
1807132 tn?1318743597
Chicago, IL
1423357 tn?1511085442
Central, MA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Are there grounds to recommend coffee consumption? Recent studies perk interest.
Salt in food can hurt your heart.
Get answers to your top questions about this common — but scary — symptom
How to know when chest pain may be a sign of something else
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.