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Understanding Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Jerome Albert Ecker | MD

Medically reviewed by Jerome Albert Ecker | MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Duke University - Durham, NC on September 6th, 2023.

Key Takeaways

  • The syndrome occurs in 1-3 per 1,000 people and involves an accessory pathway called the Bundle of Kent that bypasses the heart's normal electrical delay system.
  • Episodes can trigger heart rates of 150-250 beats per minute, with some patients experiencing supraventricular tachycardia or the more dangerous atrial fibrillation.
  • Diagnosis requires an EKG showing a characteristic "delta wave" and shortened PR interval, though 25% of patients have intermittent patterns that come and go.
  • Catheter ablation has a 95-98% success rate and permanently eliminates the extra pathway using radiofrequency energy, typically requiring only overnight hospitalization.
  • Athletes with this condition face sudden cardiac death risk during intense exercise and may need activity restrictions until treatment, as adrenaline can trigger dangerous rhythms.

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.

Understanding Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

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.

The Bottom Line

Most cases can be permanently cured with a single outpatient ablation procedure, making it one of the most successfully treatable heart rhythm disorders. Early recognition is crucial since some patients risk sudden cardiac events during physical exertion. If you're experiencing rapid heartbeat episodes or have been told you have an abnormal EKG, Doctronic can help you get the cardiac evaluation you need.

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