This is a congenital health condition in which a heart defect is present. It is called Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. Those who experience this syndrome have an additional pathway for signals that go between the heart’s upper and lower chambers. This causes a fast heartbeat which puts extra strain on the heart muscle. In other words, it works harder than it should. This is a quite rare condition and sometimes it is called preexcitation syndrome.
Commonly, WPW syndrome fast heartbeats are not dangerous but can cause serious heart conditions. In rare cases, people with this syndrome may experience a sudden cardiac death. The treatment goal is to interrupt irregular heartbeats and improve the quality of life. It usually includes medications and different procedures.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of WPW syndrome is a heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute. In people with this syndrome, fast heartbeats occur suddenly no matter whether you rest or exercise. This symptom can last from several seconds to hours. Other symptoms are possible but depend on the speed of the heartbeat and underlying heart rhythm disorder. For instance, one of the most common irregular heartbeats noticed in people with WPW syndrome is supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). In some cases, heartbeats reach between 150-220 beats per minute when SVT occurs. Other people may also experience atrial fibrillation (chaotic heart rhythm disorder). Check below some general symptoms:
- Pounding or fast heartbeats
- Chest pain
- Breathing problems
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Fainting
- Anxiety
Symptoms in Infants
- Rapid breathing
- Poor eating
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Blue or gray skin, nails, or lips
Moreover, some people who have an additional electrical pathway do not experience any symptoms. In such cases, it is considered they have Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) pattern. This condition type is diagnosed usually during a heart test.
In addition, if you experience a fast heartbeat for more than several minutes or any of the following symptoms, immediately seek medical care. For example shortness of breath, pounding heartbeat, and chest pain.
Causes
Experts do not fully understand the exact cause of WPW syndrome and most types of congenital heart defects. They think this syndrome can happen due to different congenital heart defects (such as Ebstein anomaly).
Rarely, this condition can run in families. In such cases, doctors call this condition inherited or familial WPW syndrome. Furthermore, it is commonly associated with thickened heart muscle (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).
To better understand the causes of this syndrome, it is important to know how the normal heart works. The heart has 4 chambers such as 2 upper (called atria) and 2 lower (ventricles). A group of cells known as sinus nodes are located inside the upper right heart chamber. These sinus nodes produce signals that begin each heartbeat. Thus, these signals travel across the upper heart chambers. Next cells that normally should slow down the signals that go to the lower chambers are called atrioventricular (AV) nodes. As a result, the signaling process travels smoothly which makes resting heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
However, people with WPW syndrome have an additional pathway for electrical signals which makes heart signals bypass the AV node. Hence, the signals do not slow down which leads to increased heartbeat.
In addition, without treatment, this condition leads to sudden cardiac death in children and young adults.
Diagnosis
Doctors usually perform a physical examination before diagnosing WPW syndrome. They use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and perform some tests to confirm the condition. Check below some tests:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – This is a quick and painless test that helps to measure the electrical activity of the heart. Physicians perform this test to check for additional electrical pathways in the heart.
- Holter monitor – This is a small device (portable ECG) that measures the activity of the heart for several days while you perform regular activities.
- Event recorder – A device that records heart abnormalities (such as irregular heart rate). It is commonly worn for roughly 1 month.
- Electrophysiological (EP) study – This study involves determining whether a person experiences WPW syndrome or WPW pattern.
Treatment
Healthcare professionals usually prescribe different treatments for the patients. It depends on the severity of the symptoms, the irregular heartbeat type, and the frequency of the symptoms. However, people with WPW patterns commonly do not require treatment. Check below some treatment options usually recommended by doctors:
- Medications – Doctors often prescribe IV medicines to restore heart rhythm.
- Vagal maneuvers – This involves different actions that affect the vagus nerve that controls the heartbeat. These include coughing, putting an ice pack on the face, bearing down, and others.
- Cardioversion – This treatment option involves patches or paddles that send mild electrical impulses to the heart which usually help to reset the heart rhythm. It is used when vagal maneuvers and medications do not work.
- Catheter ablation – During this procedure, doctors insert either one or more thin flexible tubes in the artery of the groin and guide them to the heart. Catheter ablation can be performed along with other heart surgeries.
Home Remedies
It is advised to consider the following tips because they can help to improve the symptoms of WPW syndrome. For example:
- Quit smoking or never begin
- Regular exercise
- Adopt a healthy diet
- Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages
- Do not consume caffeinated drinks or other stimulants
- Try to get and keep a healthy weight
- Manage stress
For more details, discuss it with your physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for people with WPW syndrome?
One of the most effective treatment methods for WPW syndrome is cardiac ablation. Sometimes, medicines such as beta-blockers are enough to restore the heart rhythm.
What is the life expectancy of people with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?
Those who get treatment can live a normal life expectancy. Otherwise, it may lead to heart failure. Consult with your doctor for more details.
What are the complications of WPW syndrome?
- Loss of consciousness
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Heart failure
- Tachycardia
- Ventricular fibrillation (a life-threatening complication)
Ask your healthcare professional if you have additional questions.
