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Understanding Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Medically reviewed by Jerome Albert Ecker | MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Duke University - Durham, NC on September 6th, 2023.
Have you ever felt your heart beat very fast or skip a beat? This sensation, known as palpitations, is usually harmless. However, in some cases, it could be a sign of a rare heart condition called Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. This syndrome is a type of irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, that you're born with.
How Does Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome Affect the Heart?
The heart has an electrical system that keeps it beating regularly. In people with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, an extra electrical pathway disrupts this system, causing abnormal heartbeats. This can lead to a serious type of arrhythmia called supraventricular tachycardia, where the heart's lower chambers (ventricles) beat very quickly as a result of the extra pathway.
Causes of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a congenital heart defect, which means you're born with it. In most cases, it occurs randomly and doesn't run in families. However, parents can sometimes pass it down to their children. People with this syndrome may also have other heart problems.
Symptoms of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
Some people with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome don't experience any symptoms, while others may have:
Dizziness or feeling light-headed
Palpitations or feeling your heart flutter or beat harder
Loss of consciousness
Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
Diagnosing Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
If you suspect you have Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, your doctor will refer you to a cardiologist or heart specialist. They will perform a thorough physical exam and may recommend diagnostic tests such as:
Electrocardiography (ECG) to check the electrical activity of your heart
Holter monitoring to record your heart rhythm over 24 hours or more
Electrophysiological studies to locate and learn more about your arrhythmia
Treatment Options for Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
If you don't have symptoms, you may not need any treatment other than regular follow-up visits and tests. However, if you experience symptoms or have risks such as young age, athletics, or a history of other arrhythmias, your doctor may prescribe medication to control it. In some cases, a procedure called catheter ablation may be recommended to remove the areas of heart tissue causing the irregular beats. The procedure is curative in 95 percent of cases.
Living with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
For most people with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, the condition won't significantly impact their daily life, aside from extra checkups. However, some symptoms, such as fainting, may pose challenges and limit certain activities like driving. The severity of your symptoms and the frequency of your arrhythmia will determine how well you can manage the condition. Regular visits to your doctor and scheduled tests are crucial for monitoring your heart health and ensuring the best possible outcomes.
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