The condition and the treatment
When the heart beats at a slower rate than normal, this is called bradycardia. This may not cause any symptoms, but when symptoms do occur, they include fainting, falls, dizziness, confusion, chest pain and difficulty breathing. When bradycardia occurs with these symptoms, it is called symptomatic bradycardia.
Common causes of symptomatic bradycardia are sick sinus syndrome and atrioventricular block. Sick sinus syndrome is the name given to a group of heart rhythm conditions caused by a problem with the heart's natural pacemaker (the sinus node), which becomes unable to produce the electrical impulses the heart needs to beat at the normal rate. Atrioventricular block is a condition where electrical implulses from the sinus node to the lower chambers of the heart are slowed or blocked. Sick sinus syndrome can happen with or without atrioventricular block. This guidance relates only to those people with sick sinus syndrome and no evidence of atrioventricular block (for recommendations on sick sinus syndrome with atrioventricular block, or atrioventricular block alone, please see NICE technology appraisal guidance 88). Symptomatic bradycardia caused by sick sinus syndrome without atrioventricular block can be treated using a pacemaker.
A pacemaker is a small device placed under the skin in a small surgical procedure. It is connected to the surface of the heart by tiny wires. The pacemaker is able to detect if the heartbeat is too slow, or if an electrical impulse is not produced. It then produces an electrical impulse to start or control the beat of the heart.
Pacemakers can be either single‑chamber or dual‑chamber, depending on the way they are connected to the heart. Single‑chamber pacemakers are connected to only either the upper or the lower chamber of the heart. Dual‑chamber pacemakers are connected to both the upper and lower chambers of the heart.
NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) may be a good place to find out more