Genetic Complexity of Sinoatrial Node Dysfunction

The pacemaker cells of the cardiac sinoatrial node (SAN) are essential for normal automaticity. Dysfunction in pacemaking results human dysfunction (SND). SND more generally occurs elderly population and is associated with impaired function causing abnormal heart rhythm. Individuals have a variety symptoms including sinus bradycardia, arrest, SAN block, bradycardia/tachycardia syndrome, syncope. Importantly, individuals report chronotropic incompetence response to stress and/or exercise. may be genetic or secondary systemic cardiovascular conditions. Current management patients limited relief arrhythmia implantation if indicated. Lack effective therapeutic measures that target underlying causes renders these challenging due its progressive nature has highlighted critical need improve our understanding mechanistic basis SND. This review focuses on current information genetics SND, followed by future implications this knowledge