Certified Cardiovascular Technician Practice Exam

What condition describes the failure of the sinus node to regulate heart rhythm?

1. Heart failure

2. Sick sinus syndrome (SSS)

3. Atrial fibrillation

4. Tachycardia

The correct answer is: Sick sinus syndrome (SSS)

The failure of the sinus node to regulate heart rhythm is known as Sick Sinus Syndrome (SSS). This condition occurs when the sinus node, which is the natural pacemaker of the heart, malfunctions, leading to a variety of heart rhythm abnormalities. Patients with SSS can experience symptoms such as bradycardia (slow heart rate), tachycardia (fast heart rate), or various forms of irregular rhythms. The dysfunction may arise from degenerative processes affecting the sinus node or other factors such as ischemia or fibrosis. In SSS, the heart can either beat too slowly, allowing for pauses, or may experience episodes of rapid heart rates, leading to an inconsistent and unreliable heart rhythm. This can significantly affect heart function and overall health, necessitating monitoring and sometimes intervention, such as the implantation of a pacemaker. Other conditions listed, like heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and tachycardia, do not specifically describe issues with the sinus node's function. Heart failure involves the heart's inability to pump effectively, atrial fibrillation refers to an irregular and often rapid heart rate originating from the atria, and tachycardia describes any fast heart rate without pinpointing its origin, meaning these terms do