Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

The Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, also called WPW, is an electrical anomaly that compromises the heart’s normal beating. It is one of the so called “pre-excitation syndromes”, basically because it’s a condition in which the heart receives the electric signal that causes normal beating sooner than expected. It’s present at birth, and therefore cannot be prevented. Its estimated incidence is about 1 in 10,000 births.

Pathophysiology Of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Under normal conditions, the heart receives an electric pulse through the A-V node, a one-way path between the atria (upper chambers of the heart) and the ventricles (the lower chambers). This is what causes the heart to beat. On a person suffering from Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome the A-V node is not the only path between the atria and the ventricles, so the electric pulse has an additional way of reaching the lower chambers, causing the heart to beat too soon. Also, under certain conditions, this pulse may be redirected back to the atria, causing erratic and unsynchronized heart pumping.

Symptoms Of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

People that have developed Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome may experience different symptoms, being the most common ones: dizziness, palpitations of the chest, accelerated heart rhythm (tachycardia). Cardiac arrest and fainting are rare symptoms. Also, it’s interesting to know that some people suffering from Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome never experience any of those symptoms.

Diagnosis And Treatment Of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

The Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is detected through an ECG, and it’s often treated symptomatically, which means that people who have no symptoms don’t require treatment. People who have shown episodes of tachycardia may be treated pharmacologically, usually with pills and shots; however if the tachycardia doesn’t respond to medications then more in-depth test of the heart’s electrical system are highly recommended.

People who suffer from severe cases of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome should be treated with catheter ablation, or radiofrequency therapy. This procedure consists on the insertion of a thin catheter (a very flexible special tube) which is placed directly above the tissue that causes the problem. When the catheter is in position, the tissue is destroyed using radiofrequency. This cuts the abnormal electrical path, curing the syndrome and eliminating further need for medication. Although this procedure cures about 90 percent of the WPW cases, there are cases in which there are multiple extra electrical paths, thus the risk associated to a surgical procedure increases. Also, be aware that this technique is not recommended for people under great surgical risk (very old people, very obese people and people with other cardiac diseases).

The only person who can suggest you a course of action and provide advice and explanation on every treatment option you have is your cardiologist, so be sure you pay attention to him; a clear understanding of everything related to your particular case of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome will lead you to a healthy life.

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