What is Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome?
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is an underlying heart rhythm disorder caused by an extra electrical pathway between the heart’s upper and lower chambers. This pathway, which is typically present at birth, allows electrical signals to bypass the heart’s normal route and may trigger episodes of a rapid heartbeat. Common rhythm disturbances associated with WPW include supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, and a rapid ventricular response.
Some people have an extra electrical pathway without experiencing symptoms. These individuals may be described as having a WPW pattern rather than WPW syndrome. Although many asymptomatic patients never develop complications, an asymptomatic young patient may still require an individualized evaluation based on test results and personal risk factors. Recommendations from organizations such as the Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology Society can help guide decisions regarding monitoring and treatment.
What Causes Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome?
In a normal heart, electrical impulses travel through the atria and reach the ventricles through the atrioventricular node. With WPW syndrome, the additional pathway allows signals to bypass this normal delay, activating the ventricles too early and potentially creating a repeating electrical circuit. The pathway usually develops before birth, although its exact cause is often unknown. WPW may occasionally occur alongside congenital heart disease.
Most rapid rhythms associated with WPW are not immediately life-threatening. However, rare ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, can interfere with the heart’s ability to pump blood. These rhythms may lead to cardiac arrest, sudden death, or sudden cardiac death without prompt treatment.
Treatment depends on the person’s symptoms, testing results, and estimated risk. Initially symptomatic patients may be evaluated for medications or catheter ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that targets the extra pathway. One commonly used approach is radiofrequency catheter ablation, which applies heat energy to create a small scar that blocks abnormal electrical signals.
What are the Symptoms of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome?
Symptoms of WPW syndrome can occur with any age, including infants, but most commonly begin in the teens and 20s. Common symptoms include:
- Rapid, fluttering heartbeats
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
- Fatigue and weakness
- Anxiety
Episodes of WPW syndrome can be triggered by stimulants like caffeine or alcohol, may appear or worsen during exercise, and can last from a few seconds to several hours. For about 25% of cases, symptoms of WPW syndrome may disappear with age. But for others, more serious symptoms like chest pain, chest tightness, fainting, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms should be discussed with your doctor right away.
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How is Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome Treated?
If your symptoms of WPW syndrome are severe, Dr. Beshai will recommend a plan for treatment. To determine the best course of treatment, he will discuss your symptoms and conduct an ECG test. An ECG monitors your heart’s electrical activity to determine if the heart is beating irregularly. You may be asked to wear a portable ECG for 24 hours to monitor your heart rate during your regular routine.
WPW symptoms can be treated with medication to slow the heart rate. If this is ineffective, Dr. Beshai might perform a procedure like ablation to heat and destroy the extra electrical pathway. With the pathway destroyed, the normal heart rhythm should be restored, eliminating symptoms. A follow-up appointment will determine how successful treatment was, or if further treatment is necessary.
Scheduling Your WPW Treatment Appointment
Dr. Beshai can discuss your WPW syndrome symptoms to determine if you need treatment or not. While many of those who have the extra electrical pathway may never have symptoms, the syndrome can lead to more serious complications in other cases. If you are experiencing episodes of WPW syndrome, contact our office and schedule your appointment at the Heart Rhythm Institute of Arizona.
The Heart Institute of Arizona has a wide array of services that come with our premium care. From in-office dianostics and treatable conditions, to hospital based procedures, we’ve got your heart covered.
Dr. Beshai is a board-certified electrophysiologist internationally renowned and respected for his expertise and research. Having published in major medical journals and travelled all over the world to present research, he is dedicated to providing innovative, state-of-the-art care to his patients.