Milan, Italy - Prophylactic catheter ablation markedly reduces the frequency of arrhythmic events in asymptomatic patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, according to a recent randomized ... People with WPW syndrome have an extra pathway for signals to travel between the heart's upper and lower chambers. This causes a fast heartbeat.

Understanding the Context

Changes in the heartbeat can make it harder for the heart to work as it should. WPW syndrome is fairly rare. Another name for it is preexcitation syndrome. One of the most common causes of rapid heartbeats is Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome.

Key Insights

It is a rare congenital heart defect, which means it is present at birth, and it can go unnoticed into adulthood. Wolf–Parkinson–White (WPW) syndrome is a disorder characterized by the presence of at least one accessory pathway (AP) that can predispose people to atrial/ventricular tachyarrhythmias and even sudden cardiac death. Here we describe the pathogenesis, diagnostic strategies, general treatment guidelines, and active controversies surrounding management of WPW syndrome. Definition Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a condition in which there is an extra electrical pathway in the heart that leads to periods of rapid heart rate (tachycardia). WPW syndrome is one of the most common causes of fast heart rate problems in infants and children.

Final Thoughts

What is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome? Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) is a type of heart condition you are born with (congenital). It causes a rapid heart rate. You may have episodes of palpitations or rapid heartbeats if you have WPW. WPW affects less than 1 in 100 people. WPW syndrome is mainly idiopathic, although it is more common among patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, transposition of the great vessels, or Epstein's anomaly.