WPW-Syndrome (Wolf Parkinson White Syndrome)
Condition
A special form of arrhythmia
What is WPW-Syndrome?
In Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, an extra electrical pathway between your heart's upper and lower chambers causes a rapid heartbeat. The condition, which is present at birth, is fairly rare.
The episodes of fast heartbeats usually aren't life-threatening, but serious heart problems can occur.Most people with an extra electrical pathway have no fast heartbeat. This condition, called Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern, is discovered by chance during a heart exam.
An episode of a fast heartbeat can begin suddenly and last a few seconds or several hours.
Episodes can occur during exercise or while at rest. Caffeine or other stimulants and alcohol trigger symptoms for some people.
What are the symptoms of WPW-Syndrome?
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A rapid, fluttering or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Shortness of breath
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Fatigue
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Anxiety
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Chest pain
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Difficulty breathing
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Fainting
For many people, this syndrome doesn't cause serious problems. But complications can occur. It's not always possible to know your risk of serious heart-related events.
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If the WPW-syndrome is untreated — particularly if you have other heart conditions — you might have:
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Fainting spells
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Fast heartbeats
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Rarely, sudden cardiac arrest
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What imaging/ tests are done to diagnose WPW-Syndrome?
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ECG
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Exercise ECG (Bicycle Stress Test)
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Minimally invasive EP-studies (electrophysiologic studies in the EP-lab)
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What intervention/ treatment can be performed for WPW-Syndrome?
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Ablation therapy
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What intervention/ treatment does CardioCare offer for WPW-Syndrome?
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EP-studies and Ablation therapy
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