Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

The heart is equipped with a pathway called the AV node that electrical signals follow on their way from one chamber of the heart to another. Based on the right timing, the signal goes to the ventricles, or lower chambers, from the artia, or upper chambers. When a person has Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, however, the heart has an extra pathway. This disrupts the timing of the electrical signals and they arrive at the ventricles sooner than a normally functioning heart. In addition, it might cause the electrical signals to travel in both directions. It also causes a very rapid heart beat, with as many as 200 beats per minute.

Causes
The causes of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome are unknown, but most people with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome acquire it later in life. In the majority of those who have the condition, their symptoms may begin as young as ten to eleven years old. Most studies indicate that those who have Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome are born with the additional pathway. However, the condition does not seem to be genetic.

Symptoms
Sometimes, those with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome don't exhibit any symptoms at all. Others may experience them later in life. The most common symptoms include:
Tachycardia. This is the most common symptom and is characterized by a very rapid heartbeat.
Dizziness, feeling light-headed, or fainting spells
Shortness of breath
Anxiety or a feeling of impending doom
Chest pain (angina) or tightness
Cardiac arrest (this is very rare)

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be tested by their doctor as Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome can lead to more serious complications. In any case, the doctor will be able to diagnose the condition and offer treatment for it.

When diagnosing Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, the doctor may have one of the following tests performed:
Electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart. Electrodes are attached to the chest and occasionally other major arteries in the body and then measure the timing of your heart's electrical outputs.
Event monitor. In some cases, an ECG will not be sufficient to detect Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome because it only measures the heartbeat during the test. If you experience intermittent arrhythmias, the doctor might have you wear an event monitor. Electrodes are attached to the chest, and the patient keeps it attached for the next 24 hours. In addition, you will be asked to record your symptoms. This helps your doctor determine whether you have Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome based on the time and type of the symptom.
Stress test. The doctor may have you perform an exercise stress test. During this test, you will walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike while an ECG tracks the heart's activity. This is designed to induce arrhythmia and helps determine whether coronary heart disease could be the cause of the abnormal rhythm.
Treatment
Unless your symptoms are bothersome or indicate a serious problem, the doctor will not necessarily need to treat Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. He may just recommend regular follow-up appointments or tell you to come back in for treatment if the symptoms persist or worsen.

Sometimes, however, the doctor will put you on medication to help control the symptoms and to prevent damage to the heart. Anti-arrhythmic drugs will help slow the trachycardia and restore the heart to a normal rhythm. In more severe cases, a pacemaker may be installed or open heart surgery will be conducted to remove the extra pathway.

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Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome