Sick sinus syndrome: decompensation prevention

Abstract

In 83 patients with sick sinus syndrome and without severe impairment of central/systemic hemodynamics (compensated SSS), decompensation prevention by long-tem atenolol therapy was investigated. Follow-up lasted for 6-24 months, mean atenolol dose was 26,2+3,5 mg/d. In patients with initially decreased heart rate (HR) during pharmaceutical autonomous blockade (PAB) test, treatment was associated with substantial decline in congestive heart failure and chronic atrial fibrillation incidence. Atenolol intolerance was predicted by prolonged sinus node recovery time in baseline PAB test (by 280 sec or more). No significant influence on syncope or pacemaker implantation incidence was observed.

Keywords

• sick sinus syndrome
• compensation
• atenolol
• heart failure