D2I2.
cardiovascular

Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome

Wolff–Parkinson–White (WPWS) is a disorder due to a specific type of problem with the electrical system of the heart involving an accessory pathway able to conduct electrical current between the atria and the , thus bypassing the node. About 60% of people with the electrical problem develop symptoms, which may include an abnormally fast heartbeat, , shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or syncope. Rarely, may occur. The most common type of associated with WPWS is .

Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.

Symptoms — what it feels like

  • ·Abnormally fast heartbeat, , shortness of breath, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness

Causes — why it happens

  • ·Accessory pathway in the heart

How it's found

  • · shows a short PR interval and a wide QRS complex from a delta wave

Treatment

  • ·Watchful waiting, medications, radiofrequency catheter ablation

Complications

  • ·, , sudden death

Outlook

  • ·Without symptoms 0.5% (children), 0.1% (adults) risk of death per year
Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.