How sinus node dysfunction is treated

The main form of treatment for sinus node dysfunction is placement of a pacemaker, and acute treatment can be done with medications such as atropine, which is not required for asymptomatic patients. Patients with sinus node dysfunction who are asymptomatic do not require treatment, and if the patient is on medications that can cause sinus bradyarrhythmia, such as beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), the medication is discontinued if possible. Acute treatment can be with atropine and/or isoprenaline, and sometimes an intravenous temporary pacemaker is still needed. Patients with bradyarrhythmias-tachyarrhythmias can be controlled with cardiac glycosides, quinidine, and digoxin, but monitoring with ambulatory electrocardiograms is necessary, and placement of a permanent pacemaker is still needed if the arrhythmia or symptoms worsen. Pacemaker therapy is the only effective surgical treatment for patients with chronic symptomatic sinus node dysfunction, and there are permanent pacemakers, single-chamber and dual-chamber pacemakers. It is recommended that the patient should seek medical attention and follow the doctor’s instructions for symptomatic treatment.