Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome
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Overview
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome is a heart condition where there is an extra electrical pathway (circuit) in the heart; leading to episodes of rapid heart rate. While WPW Syndrome does not cause significant problems for most people, in some patients, it can lead to serious heart conditions like heart failure and sudden cardiac death.
Causes
Electrical signals in the heart normally go through a pathway that helps the heart beat regularly. The wiring of the heart prevents extra beats from occurring and keeps the next beat from happening too soon. People with WPW Syndrome have an extra, or accessory, pathway that may cause a very rapid heart rate called supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
Symptoms
WPW Syndrome presents itself with chronic (regular) or acute (sudden) episodes of rapid heart rate. Accompanying symptoms include chest pain or tightness, dizziness, light-headedness, fainting and shortness of breath.
Detection
Doctors may recommend a holter test to record the heart’s rhythm over 24 hours to verify your condition. Alternatively, an electrocardiogram (ECG) test may be recommended.
Treatment
Catheter ablation offers a cure for WPW syndrome. In this minimally invasive procedure, a catheter is advance from the groin to the heart. The exact site of the accessory pathway and radiofrequency energy is delivered to eliminate this accessory pathway. Patients who declined this therapy may be given medication to reduce recurrence of SVT.
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