The sinoatrial (SA) node is the natural pacemaker of the heart. It generates electrical impulses that cause the heart’s chambers to contract, setting the heart rate. The SA node typically generates 60 ...

The placement of a permanent pacemaker is the definitive treatment for sinus node dysfunction, but not everyone needs this.

Sinoatrial exit block occurs when the action potential initiated by the sinoatrial node is inhibited or completely blocked before it is able to leave the SA node and reach the atrium, and thus no P ...

At age 76, I was diagnosed with sinus node dysfunction last year after several episodes of what I’d call being “spaced out” (for lack of a better term). I couldn’t explain these instances to myself, ...

Junctional rhythm is an irregular heart rhythm that stems from a natural pacemaker in the heart known as the atrioventricular junction. The heart has several built-in pacemakers that help control its ...

A premature atrial contraction (PAC) occurs when a focus in the atrium (not the SA node), generates an action potential before the next scheduled SA node action potential. When this occurs prior to ...

Having an accelerated junctional rhythm occurs when the atrioventricular node in your heart beats too quickly. It happens as a result of damage to your heart’s primary natural pacemaker. There’s no ...

In a normal heart rhythm, your heart beats in a steady, even way. The upper part of your heart (atria) squeezes and pushes blood to the lower part (ventricles), pumping blood and oxygen out to the ...

A junctional escape rhythm is when the heartbeat starts in a different part of the heart than it should. This type of arrhythmia may not need treatment, but a doctor does need to investigate the ...