Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Wolff-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
  • Tiring easily 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 a very rapid heart rate, more-serious symptoms can develop, 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 discovered only by chance when a person is undergoing a heart exam for other reasons. Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern is harmless in many people.

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.

Call 911 or your local emergency number if you experience any of the following symptoms for more than a few minutes:

  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain

Also call 911 if you are with a person who faints.

Causes Definition
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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