What is a common treatment for sick sinus syndrome?

Sick sinus syndrome is characterized by dysfunction of the sinoatrial node, which can lead to a variety of arrhythmias, including bradycardia, sinus arrest, and tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome. The most common and effective treatment for this condition, especially in symptomatic patients, is the implantation of a dual chamber pacemaker. This device helps maintain an appropriate heart rate and can alleviate symptoms related to the bradycardia associated with sick sinus syndrome.

In many cases, patients experience fatigue, dizziness, or syncope due to the inadequate heart rate response. A dual chamber pacemaker can adjust the heart rate according to the patient's physiological demands, which is crucial for managing the condition effectively.

Other treatment options, while they may have their uses, do not address the underlying problem directly. For example, medications that enhance vagal tone or beta blockers may not be suitable as they can potentially exacerbate bradycardia. Cardioversion therapy is typically used for rhythm control in cases of rapid atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter but is not a treatment for the underlying sinus node dysfunction. Therefore, the implantation of a dual chamber pacemaker is considered the gold standard for managing symptomatic sick sinus syndrome.