Sick sinus syndrome causes slow heartbeats, pauses (long periods between heartbeats) or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Sick sinus syndrome is relatively uncommon. The risk of developing it increases with age. Many people with sick sinus syndrome eventually need an implanted device called a pacemaker to keep the heart in a regular rhythm.

Sinuses are hollow air-filled spaces found in facial bones, they are located behind the cheeks, forehead and help to keep the nose moist. Usually, they do not have any germs, but when they get infected due to cold, smoking, allergies, weakened immune system or structural problems, they cause pain, mucus discharge. Treatment is by steam inhalation, or antibiotics. A doctor should be consulted if congestion and pain with running nose persists for a longer time.

Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Sick sinus syndrome, or sinus node dysfunction, is when the heart's natural pacemaker (sinus node) is damaged and unable to produce a normal heartbeat.

Scar tissue from a previous heart surgery also can be the cause, particularly in children. Rarely, the cause can be genetic. Sick sinus syndrome can be unmasked by medications, such as calcium channel blockers or beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure, or by other conditions causing the heartbeat to be slower or faster than normal.