What is WPW syndrome?
WPW syndrome or Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a heart rhythm disorder characterized by an extra electrical pathway in the heart. This congenital condition can cause abnormal heart rhythms, resulting in palpitations and, rarely, sudden death. It’s typically diagnosed in young adults but can occur at any age.
A normal heartbeat begins with an electrical signal from the sinus node. This signal first spreads to the atria, then slowly passes through the AV node to reach the ventricles. In WPW syndrome, there is an additional conduction pathway. The electrical signal reaches the ventricles through both the AV node and this abnormal pathway, disrupting the heart’s normal electrical activity.
You can find detailed information about WPW syndrome in the video below.
Why Do Palpitations Occur in WPW Syndrome?
People with WPW syndrome have an abnormal extra pathway in their heart. The electrical signal creates a circuit using both the abnormal extra pathway and the normal pathway (AV node). During this process, each circuit causes a heartbeat, and palpitations begin. These palpitations that start, continue for a while, and then stop are called paroxysmal tachycardia. Some people may have an extra conduction pathway but experience no symptoms. This accessory pathway may need to be tested through an electrophysiological study. Accessory pathways with weak conduction properties may not cause palpitations and might not pose a risk for the patient.
What are the Symptoms of WPW Syndrome?
People with WPW syndrome may experience palpitations along with chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fainting symptoms. In rare cases, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can be life-threatening. This is due to the transmission of a rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation through the extra conduction pathway to the ventricle, causing the heart rate to increase significantly.
How is WPW Syndrome Diagnosed?
WPW syndrome is diagnosed through a test called ECG (electrocardiogram). Sometimes, a 24-hour ECG recording called Holter monitoring can also help with diagnosis. The ECG can show where this abnormal pathway is located in the heart. If your doctor plans to perform an ablation treatment, they can predict where the abnormal pathway is before the procedure.
How is WPW Syndrome Treated?
WPW syndrome treatment is addressed in two phases: stopping the palpitations and eliminating the disease. To stop palpitations in WPW treatment, patients can perform maneuvers such as coughing and straining (may be effective in some patients). Various medications can be used in the hospital, or sometimes electrical shock (cardioversion) may be applied. A procedure called “ablation” is used to eliminate the disease. WPW ablation is performed using either cold or hot energy. The abnormal pathway is located and rendered non-functional.
WPW ablation has a high success rate. During the procedure, catheters are sent to the heart through veins or arteries in the groin. The heart’s electrical signal is evaluated, and the location of the abnormal area is determined. The abnormal area is burned or frozen using special catheters. This method can completely eliminate the disease, and the chance of recurrence is low.
Reference: WPW
Update: Oct 25, 2024