Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a condition in which the heart has an extra electrical pathway, can lead to a dangerously fast heart rhythm, according to Medline Plus. While the condition is present at birth, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can affect individuals of all ages. Episodes of a rapid heartbeat usually first appear when individuals are in their teens or early 20s, according to the Mayo Clinic. Most episodes of this condition aren't life-threatening, but very serious heart problems can develop.
Description
In normal hearts, electrical signals travel along a pathway, which helps the heart beat regularly. The wiring of the heart prevents extra beats from occurring while also keeping the next beat from occurring too soon. Individuals with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome have an extra pathway that can cause a very rapid heart rate, known as supraventricular tachycardia.
Symptoms
The rapidness of the heart rate and how frequently it occurs varies for all individuals. Some people may only experience a few episodes of tachycardia, while others may experience a rapid heart rate once or twice a week.
Individuals with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome may not experience symptoms and therefore will not know about their condition until undergoing a heart test for another reason. However, others may experience symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, palpitations and shortness of breath.
Diagnosis
During a Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome tachycardia episode, an electrocardiogram will reveal a patient heart rate as greater than 230 beats per minute. A normal heart rate, by comparison, is 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Any individual suspected of having Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome should undergo an intracardiac electrophysiology study (EPS) to help identify the location of the extra electrical pathway. EPS assists doctors in determining the details of abnormal heartbeats via invasive testing. The study involves measuring the electrical activity along the heart's conduction system and within the heart muscle.
Treatment
In order to prevent future episodes of supraventricular tachycardia, medication is usually prescribed. Some medications commonly prescribed to control a patient's heart rhythm includes adenosine, antiarrhythmics or amiodarone.
Another option treatment known as catheter ablation involves inserting a catheter into an artery through a small cut near the groin up to the heart area. When the catheter enters the heart, radiofrequency (a special type of energy) destroys the stimuli provoking the fast heart rate. Catheter ablation cures Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome in most patients, with the success rate ranging between 85 and 95 percent, according to Medline Plus.
Complications
Supraventricular tachycardia episodes can cause patients to experience reduced blood pressure. The prescribed medications (adenosine, antiarrhythmics and amiodarone) can cause unwanted side effects. Also, any surgery performed to normalize the hearts rhythm holds the risk of possible complications.
