Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease) Slideshow

• What is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?
• What are the symptoms of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
• What are the complications of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?
• What other heart conditions is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome associated with?
• How common is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?
• What genes are related to Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?
• How do people inherit Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?
• Where can I find information about treatment for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?
• What other names do people use for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?

What is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a condition characterized by abnormal electrical pathways in the heart that cause a disruption of the heart's normal rhythm (arrhythmia).

The heartbeat is controlled by electrical signals that move through the heart in a highly coordinated way. A specialized cluster of cells called the atrioventricular node conducts electrical impulses from the heart's upper chambers (the atria) to the lower chambers (the ventricles). Impulses move through the atrioventricular node during each heartbeat, stimulating the ventricles to contract slightly later than the atria.

What are the symptoms of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

People with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome are born with an extra connection in the heart, called an accessory pathway, that allows electrical signals to bypass the atrioventricular node and move from the atria to the ventricles faster than usual. The accessory pathway may also transmit electrical impulses abnormally from the ventricles back to the atria. This extra connection can disrupt the coordinated movement of electrical signals through the heart, leading to an abnormally fast heartbeat (tachycardia) and other arrhythmias. Resulting symptoms include dizziness, a sensation of fluttering or pounding in the chest (palpitations), shortness of breath, and fainting (syncope). In rare cases, arrhythmias associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can lead to cardiac arrest and sudden death. The most common arrhythmia associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.

What are the complications of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?

Complications of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can occur at any age, although some individuals born with an accessory pathway in the heart never experience any health problems associated with the condition.

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• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - Read about the Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) procedure used to reflect underlying heart conditions such as agnina, occurance of a prior heart attack or of an evolving heart attack, and more.
• Palpitations - Learn about palpitations (abnormal heart beats, too fast or too slow) and what causes them, such as exessive alcohol, caffeine, stress, and more. Information includes types, causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

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