Frequently Asked Questions

Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a form of bradycardia, in which the sinoatrial node (the heart’s natural pacemaker) is not functioning as it should. This means that all of the electrical signals that start a heartbeat do not leave the SA node (sinoatrial block) or that there are longer pauses in the generation of the electrical signal (sinus arrest). SSS can cause tachycardia (heart rates that are too fast) or bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome (heart rates that fluctuate between being too slow and too fast).

Heart block occurs when the electrical impulse that originates in the upper chambers of the heart is unable to pass to the lower chambers of the heart in the right timing. Heart block delays the impulse or may block it completely. (This is sometimes called AV block, because the impulse slows or does not pass through the atrioventricular node that joins the upper and lower chambers of the heart.)

There are different kinds of heart block. With first-degree heart block, the beats pass from the upper chambers to the lower chambers, but conduction is slower than normal (more than 0.2 seconds). With second-degree heart block, not all of the beats pass from the heart’s upper to lower chambers, so some are dropped. With third-degree (also called complete) heart block, the impulses cannot pass from the upper to the lower chambers, so the lower chambers originate their own impulse. This means they do beat and pump blood, but at a slower rate and more inefficiently than if by an impulse from the upper chambers.

AV block is another name for heart block.

For over 40 years, pacemakers have been helping people with slow heart rates. Most people feel better and have more energy once they receive their pacemaker. Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor. Learn more about Pacemaker Implantation surgery.

Physicians who specialize in the heart are cardiologists. Cardiologists who specialize in the heart’s electrical conduction system are called electrophysiologists.

An arrhythmia will not cause a heart attack; however, other underlying heart disease, which may cause the arrhythmia, may cause a heart attack. An arrhythmia has to do with the heart’s electrical system and its ability to beat. A heart attack is caused by insufficient blood flow in the heart, usually due to a blockage in the coronary artery.

No. Pacemakers treat electrical problems in the heart. Heart attacks are plumbing problems, usually of the coronary arteries.

Not necessarily. Your doctor is your best resource on this subject. Heart attacks are not necessarily related to bradycardia, which pacemakers treat. On the other hand, some heart attack survivors do get pacemakers or ICDs. Again, this is a matter for you to discuss with your doctor.