Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome (WPW)

What is Wolff–Parkinson–White Syndrome (WPW)

Wolff Parkinson White syndrome (WPW) is a heart condition that causes a fast and irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that comes and goes suddenly.People who have this condition were born with it (it is congenital). However, symptoms may not appear until the teen or adult years.

What are the causes of Wolff Parkinson White syndrome (WPW) ?

This condition is caused by an extra electrical connection (pathway) between the top chambers of your heart (atria) and the bottom chambers of your heart (ventricles). This can cause an abnormal heart rhythm that comes and goes.

What increases the risk of Wolff Parkinson White syndrome ?

This condition is more likely to develop in people:

  • Who have a family history of WPW.
  • Who have another congenital heart defect.
  • Who are male.

What are the signs or symptoms of WPW?

Symptoms of this condition vary. Some people never have symptoms. Others have symptom that start at birth. Usually, symptoms start at 30–40 years of age. Symptoms start suddenly and may last for several minutes or a few hours. They are often triggered by exercise. If you have symptoms, they may include:

  • Feeling your heart “skip” beats (palpitations).
  • A fast heart rate.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Light-headedness or dizziness.
  • Fatigue, especially with exercise.
  • Anxiety.
  • Chest pain.
  • Fainting.
  • Stopping of your heart (cardiac arrest). This is rare.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed with a medical history, physical exam, and electrical tests of your heart. Heart testing may include:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG). This test shows the electrical activity of your heart.
  • Echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to create an image of your heart.
  • Holter monitoring. This is a portable ECG that you wear for 24 hours.
  • Stress testing. This test is an ECG that is done during exercise.
  • Electrophysiology study. This test measures electrical activity in your heart. It uses a thin tube (catheter) that is inserted in your heart through a blood vessel.

How is this treated?

Treatment for WPW depends on how often you have symptoms and what type of extra pathway you have. Treatment may include:

  • Medicine to stop the arrhythmia. You may get this medicine through an IV tube to stop an attack. Or, you may take it orally to prevent an attack.
  • Cardioversion. This is a controlled electrical shock. In extreme circumstances, it may be used to return your heart rate to normal.
  • Radiofrequency ablation. This is a surgical procedure that uses high-frequency radio waves to destroy the extra pathway.

In some cases, your health care provider may only watch your condition for any changes.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Follow any exercise restrictions as told by your health care provider.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You are having symptoms of WPW.
  • Medicines do not control your symptoms.

Get help right away if:

  • You have chest pain or difficulty breathing.
  • You pass out.
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