Sick Sinus Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment (It's Not Your Nose)

5. Diagnosis

Because symptoms of sick sinus syndrome mimic other health conditions, a doctor will likely run several diagnostic tests to confirm. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is the most common leads attached to the chest record the rhythm of the heartbeat. Abnormalities will often show up on an EKG tracing, although the changes may be variable and come and go. Doctors may also recommend event recorders or Holter monitors to track cardiac activity over a longer period. Another common test doctors order to assess heart function is an echocardiogram, which uses ultrasound technology to look at the structure and function of the heart.