Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
brady-tachy syndrome
A cardiac condition characterized by alternating periods of slow and fast heart rhythms, often requiring dual-chamber pacing devices.
Full Definition
Brady-tachy syndrome, also known as sick sinus syndrome with tachycardia-bradycardia, is a cardiac arrhythmia disorder where patients experience alternating episodes of bradycardia (slow heart rate) and tachycardia (fast heart rate). This condition often requires sophisticated device therapy that can pace during bradycardic episodes while providing antitachycardia therapy during fast rhythms. The syndrome is particularly challenging for device programming as it requires algorithms to distinguish between physiologic and pathologic tachycardias.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as a compound modifier.
In Context
- "The patient's brady-tachy syndrome required a dual-chamber ICD with mode-switching capability." — Clinical case study
- "Brady-tachy syndrome affects device algorithm selection for rate-responsive pacing features." — Programming guide
Also known as
sick sinus syndrome
tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome
Don't confuse with
atrial fibrillation
sinus node dysfunction