Changes on Holter consistent with SSS:
- Remarkably long pauses after atrial ectopic activity like PACs, SVT and atrial fibrillation (prolonged sinus nodal recovery time)
I had ONE six second lag in my heart beat as it was converting from atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. I was on the prescribed meds (since decided by doctor it was too much medication) when it occurred and a 7 day zio monitor.
-----------
I had an electrophysiologist just diagnose me with SSS based on the above incident which were caused by the prescribed medicine for PAF.
Through research I discovered three classes used for diagnosing and treating SSS or tachy brady syndrome with a pacemaker.
I. Class I:
1. a. Documented symptomatic bradycardia. [My bradycardia has been lifelong and without symptoms.]
b. FREQUENT sinus pauses. [I suffered ONE sinus pause after too much medication which was prescribed by the doctor.]
2. Symptomatic chronotropic incompetence, which the inability for the heart to increase its rate with activity or demand. [Mine heart compensates.] [Not me.]
II. Class IIa:
1. SSS occurring spontaneously or as result of necessary drug therapy, with HR less than 40 bpm where symptomatic bradycardia has not been documented. [Not me.]
III. Class IIb:
1. In minimally symptomatic patients, chronic HR less than 30 bpm while awake. [Not me.]
IV. Class III:
1. SSS in asymptomatic patients, those with substantial sinus bradycardia (HR less than 40 bpm) is a consequence of long term treatment [Not me.]
2. SSS in patients symptoms suggestive of bradycardia that are clearly documented as not associated with a slow heart rate. [Not me.]
3. SSS with symptomatic bradycardia caused by nonessential drug therapy. [Not me.]
__________
I do not fit any of these criteria and yet my doctor just diagnosed me with SSS and needing to have a pacemaker. I met this doctor for the first time on 13 May 2013.
My symptoms started when I remembered the abuse my father perpetrated on others and myself. He was a serial killer and a pedophile and forced me to watch him commit criminal acts. When the memories came back, I started having PAF episodes every time a memory surfaced.
Before the PAF, I had borderline bradycardia for years and bradycardia for years before that. My resting HR used to be 42. Prior to the PAF it was 52 to 54 lying down and 58 to 60 sitting up. It has been that way since 2003. My bradycardia has been asymptomatic.
In 2008, I had thyrotoxicosis and was placed on metoprolol which caused my heart rate to plummet to 32. The doctor said not to ever take that med again due to my reaction to it. However, my cardiologist prescribed it for PAF to slow my racing heart with beats up to 214.
I wonder if this doctor is too gung ho about a diagnosis of SSS.