Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Symptoms

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome describes when the heart beats rapidly because of abnormal, extra electrical pathways between the heart's two upper chambers (atria) and two lower chambers (ventricles).

The atrioventricular (AV) node in the heart normally slows the flow of electrical current. But in patients with WPW syndrome, the abnormal, extra pathway allows electrical impulses to travel around the AV node. The extra pathway tends to conduct impulses rapidly and can produce an extremely rapid, dangerously fast heart rhythm.

WPW syndrome is among the most common causes for abnormally fast heart rates in infants and children.

The severity of WPW syndrome varies. Some people may have frequent episodes of rapid heart rates. Some have no symptoms and are unaware of their condition until it's discovered by their doctor during a physical examination.

Others may feel symptoms such as:

• Dizziness
• Light-headedness
• Shortness of breath

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome may also result in these signs and symptoms:

• A fast pulse
• Blood pressure that is normal or low
• Chest pain or chest tightness
• Palpitations, sensations of a racing, uncomfortable, irregular heartbeat or a flopping in the chest.