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. While people of all ages, including infants, can experience the effects of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, episodes of a fast heartbeat often first appear when people are in their teens or early 20s.

In most cases, the episodes of fast heartbeats aren't life-threatening, but very serious heart problems can occur. Treatments for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome may stop or prevent episodes of fast heartbeats, and surgery to shut down the extra electrical pathway can usually correct the heart rhythm problems.

Symptoms
References
  1. Knight B. Patient information: Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 14, 2008.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. National Library of Medicine Genetics Home Reference. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=wolffparkinsonwhitesyndrome. Accessed Jan. 10, 2009.
  5. What are Holter, event and transtelephonic monitors? American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3005149. Accessed Jan. 15, 2009.
  6. Hebbar AK, et al. Management of common arrhythmias: Part I. Supraventricular arrhythmias. American Family Physician. 2002;65:2479-2486.
  7. Delacretaz E. Supraventricular tachycardia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2006;354:1039-1051.

DS00923

March 19, 2009

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