Sick sinus syndrome in Malaysians

Forty nine patients with sick sinus syndrome seen at the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur are reviewed. The ages of patients ranged from 17 to 85 years. There were 21 males and 28 females. The diagnostic criteria were sinus bradycardia in 8 patients (Group I), sinus arrest or sinoatrial block in 24 patients. (Group Il), and bradycardia tachycardia syndrome in 17 patiens (Group Ill). The aetiology was unknown in the majority of patients. Ischaemic heart disease was the commonest known aetiological factor. Patients with symptomatic sinus bradycardia and sinus arrest were initially treated with oral isoprenaline, and if this failed, they were paced. Temporary transvenous pacing was necessary in 27 patients and subsequent permanent pacing performed on 23 patients.