Married to the Pacemaker: An Autobiographical Case Report of Sick Sinus Syndrome

TL;DR

The author shares their personal experience with sick sinus syndrome and the journey leading to pacemaker implantation.

Contribution

This paper contributes a personal case report highlighting the importance of advanced cardiac screening for diagnosing sick sinus syndrome.

Findings

The author experienced symptoms leading to the diagnosis of sick sinus syndrome.

A permanent pacemaker was implanted after detecting long pauses in heart rhythm.

The case emphasizes the need for thorough cardiac evaluation in diagnosing heart conditions.

Abstract

I, the author of this case report, was on beta blockers, initially atenolol and later on nebivolol, for my "systemic hypertension" illness. After attending the National Pulmonary Conference, I fell during the return journey on the express highway, became unconscious, and reached the tertiary care hospital of the medical college at the end of the day. The electrocardiogram was suggestive of a "complete heart block.". They immediately implanted a temporary pacemaker and transferred me to the cardiac care unit. I was discharged after five days of stay in the hospital, as the Holter study concluded to be normal. After about two weeks, I felt lightheadedness and giddiness for a fraction of a second. An eminent senior cardiologist in my hometown advised Holter's study; this time, it was suggestive of long pauses. A permanent pacemaker was implanted with the diagnosis of sick sinus syndrome. This autobiographical case report hopes to shed light on more advanced cardiac screening in the search for the etiology of clinical symptoms.

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