Wolf Parkinson White Syndrome
The Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome, commonly called the WPW syndrome is a condition in which there are specific short episodes of very fast heartbeat or tachycardia. This condition is generally present since birth, the first episodes may make its first appearance later in life. While a sudden quickening of heartbeat may take patients by surprise, the condition is not considered to be life threatening.
The main cause of the WPW heart syndrome is the extra electrical pathway. This electrical pathway is the result of a gene mutation. Other than this, there is not much that is known about the health condition or the reasons why an extra electrical pathway is present. Normally, heartbeat is controlled by a pacemaker that is present in the right atrium. The pacemaker sends out electrical signals that travel to the atria and then the atrioventricular node. This is generally the only track that the signals take. In the case of the WPW syndrome, there is another pathway. This pathway connects the atria and ventricles and due to this extra impulse the ventricles contract faster.
Common symptoms of the WPW heart syndrome include rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness, fainting, anxiety and fatigue. These symptoms last only for a few seconds in most cases. However, it should be noted that symptoms can last for a much longer time too, with some episodes lasting for a few hours. In more serious cases of the WPW syndrome symptoms like chest pain, tightness in the chest and difficulty in breathing can also surface. To detect symptoms of the condition in infants, the signs to watch out for are poor appetite, inactivity, difficulty in breathing and heartbeat that is sometimes visible in the chest.
WPW treatment aims at reducing the increased heartbeat. This can be done on your own with the help of some physical movements. In some cases, however, medication is necessary. Physicians can help patients in understanding how to do Vagal maneuvers that act on the Vagal nerves. The actions include coughing and pushing action as in bowel movement. A special diet is often needed to have a proper bowel movement. Putting an ice pack on the forehead is also known to slow the heart.
Anti-arrhythmic medication is used to slow the heartbeat if the quickened heartbeat lasts for long. These medicines can be taken orally or in the form of an injection too. In extreme cases, cardiversion may be required in which paddles are used to give shock to the heart. This is something that interferes with the signal and restores normal heartbeat.
WPW syndrome can be cured with treatment options like Radiofrequency catheter ablation and surgery. The Radiofrequency catheter ablation involves adding catheters to the heart. These are used to damage the extra electrical path that is causing the irregular and fast heartbeat. The procedure is fairly effective and complications are uncommon. Surgery can also be done to sever the extra electrical pathway to treat Wolff Parkinson White syndrome.