Conditions Basics

What is Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome?

Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a heart rhythm problem. It causes a very fast heart rate.

With WPW, an extra electrical pathway links the upper chambers (atria) and lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. In normal hearts, the only electrical connection between the atria and ventricles is through the AV node. The AV node helps control the heartbeat. In WPW, the extra electrical pathway is called a bypass tract because it bypasses the AV node. The AV node cannot control the heartbeat, so it beats very fast.

What causes it?

WPW may run in families (inherited). You are more likely to have WPW if a parent or sibling has this problem.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of WPW include a fast heart rate or a fluttering in your chest (palpitations). You may also feel chest pain or feel lightheaded or dizzy. You might faint. Or you may not have symptoms.

How is it diagnosed?

Doctors can often diagnose WPW by using an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG).

How is WPW treated?

The goals of long-term treatment are to prevent episodes, relieve symptoms, and prevent future problems. You and your doctor can decide what type of treatment is right for you. Your options may include medicines or a procedure called catheter ablation to destroy the extra electrical pathway.

During an episode, your doctor may suggest that you try vagal maneuvers. These are things that might help slow your heart rate. Your doctor will teach you how to do vagal maneuvers safely.

If an episode needs emergency treatment, you might have a procedure called electrical cardioversion to reset your heart rhythm. Or you may get a fast-acting medicine to slow your heart rate.