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Types of ResourcesWolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome is a rare type of supraventricular tachycardia in which an extra electrical pathway between the atria and the ventricles is present at birth, but may not show symptoms until adulthood. WPW syndrome usually isn't serious. Many people experience no symptoms at all – or only mild heart racing that’s easily cured with treatment. In rare instances, WPW syndrome can be life-threating, especially if it occurs in conjunction with atrial fibrillation. Again, treatment can help eliminate this risk.
Symptoms
- A pounding or fluttering heartbeat (palpitations)
- Feeling light-headed or dizzy (pre-syncope)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Sweating
- Feeling anxious
- Finding physical activity exhausting
- Passing out or fainting (syncope)
Treatment
- Medications
- Ablation
- Cardioversion (an electric shock to restore a normal rhythm)
Diagnosis
- Physical analysis of symptoms
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Portable ECG recorder
Treatments
In many cases, episodes of abnormal heart activity associated with WPW syndrome are harmless, don't last long, and settle down on their own without treatment. However, if your cardiologist recommends treatment, there are a number of options available to stop episodes as they occur, and help prevent future episodes. These include:
- Vagal manoeuvres
- Medication
- Cardioversion
- Lifestyle changes as recommended by your physician, or through Erlanger's Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
- Catheter ablation
Erlanger Cardiology
Erlanger Medical Mall
979 East 3rd Street
Suite C-520
Chattanooga, TN 37403
423-778-5661