Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, or WPW syndrome, is the presence of an extra, abnormal electrical pathway in the heart that leads to periods of a very fast heartbeat (tachycardia).

The extra electrical pathway of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is present at birth. People of all ages, including infants, can experience the symptoms related to Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Episodes of a fast heartbeat often first occur when people are in their teens or early 20s.

In most cases, the episodes of fast heartbeats aren't life-threatening, but serious heart problems can occur. Treatments for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can stop or prevent episodes of fast heartbeats. A catheter-based procedure, known as ablation, can permanently correct the heart rhythm problems.

Symptoms

  • See Also

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  • Heart arrhythmias
References
  1. Early TJ, et al. Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?sid=1087785533&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00032-9--sc29000&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&type=bookPage&sectionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00032-9--sc29000&uniqId=227936882-3. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
  2. Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4785. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
  3. Arnsdorf MF, et al. Epidemiology of the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
  4. Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome. The Merck Manuals: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/sec03/ch027/ch027e.html. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
  5. Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. Genetics Home Reference. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/wolff-parkinson-white-syndrome. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
  6. Podrid PJ. Pharmacologic therapy of arrhythmias associated with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
  7. Knight BP. Nonpharmacologic therapy of arrhythmias associated with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
  8. Prevention & treatment of arrhythmia. American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/PreventionTreatmentofArrhythmia/Prevention-Treatment-of-Arrhythmia_UCM_002026_Article.jsp. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
  9. Symptoms, diagnosis & monitoring of arrhythmia. American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/SymptomsDiagnosisMonitoringofArrhythmia/Symptoms-Diagnosis-Monitoring-of-Arrhythmia_UCM_002025_Article.jsp. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
  10. Shen W-K (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 14, 2010.
  11. Grogan M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 12, 2010.
DS00923 Feb. 25, 2011

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