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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffWolff-Parkinson-White syndrome symptoms are the result of a fast heart rate. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Sensation of rapid, fluttering or pounding heartbeats (palpitations)
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Easily tired during exercise
- Anxiety
Symptoms most often appear for the first time in people in their teens or 20s. An episode of a very fast heartbeat can begin suddenly and last for a few seconds or several hours. Episodes often happen during exercise.
Symptoms in more serious cases
If a person with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome also has underlying heart disease, a rapid heart rate can lead to other serious symptoms, including:
- Chest pain
- Chest tightness
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden death
Symptoms in infants
Symptoms in infants with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Not alert or active
- Poor eating
- Fast heartbeats visible on the chest
No symptoms
A person may have an extra electrical pathway in the heart but experience no fast heartbeat and no symptoms. This condition, called Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern, is only discovered by chance when a person is undergoing a heart exam for other reasons.
When to see a doctor
A number of conditions can cause irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia). It's important to get a prompt, accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. See your doctor if you or your child experiences any symptoms associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. If you faint, have difficulty breathing or have chest pain lasting more than a few minutes, get emergency care or call 911 or your local emergency number.
- Knight B. Patient information: Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 14, 2008.
- Mitchell L. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Merck Manuals Online Medical Dictionary: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec03/ch027/ch027e.html. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
- Calkins H. Supraventricular tachycardia: AV nodal reentry and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. In: Fuster V, et al., eds. Hurst's The Heart. 12th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3050545. Jan. 14, 2009.
- Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=wolffparkinsonwhitesyndrome. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
- What are Holter, event and transtelephonic monitors? American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3005149. Accessed Jan. 15, 2009.
- Hebbar AK, et al. Management of common arrhythmias: Part I. Supraventricular arrhythmias. American Family Physician. 2002;65:2479-2486.
- Delacretaz E. Supraventricular tachycardia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2006;354:1039-1051.
