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
More in Heart
Coronary artery diseaseHeart failureArrhythmia (atrial fibrillation)CardiomyopathyHeart valve diseaseRheumatic heart diseaseCongenital heart defectHeart attackCardiac arrestMyocarditisAortic stenosisLong QT syndrome
See all of Heart →Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.