Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

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

CAUSES
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.

RISK FACTORS
This condition is more likely to develop in people who:
• Have a family history of WPW.
• Have another congenital heart defect.
• Are male.

SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition vary. Some people never have symptoms. Others have symptom that start at birth. Usually symptoms start between …show more content…
• Anxiety.
• Chest pain.
• Fainting.
• Stopping of your heart (cardiac arrest). This is rare.

DIAGNOSIS
This condition is diagnosed with a medical history, physical exam, and electrical tests of your heart. Heart testing may include:
• Electrocardiogram (ECG). This test creates an electrical tracing of your heart.
• Echocardiogram. Sound waves are used 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 done during exercise.
• Electrophysiology study. This test measures electrical activity in your heart. It uses a thin tube (catheter) inserted in your heart through a blood vessel.

TREATMENT
Treatment for WPW depends on how often you have symptoms and the type of extra pathway you have. Treatment may include:
• Medicine to stop the arrhythmia. You may get this medicine through an IV 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