Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a heart condition that affects the heart rhythm. It does not always cause symptoms, but in some cases it can cause the heart to suddenly beat abnormally fast. Episodes can last from seconds to hours. In rare cases, episodes may continue for days.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
When the heart beats normally, the muscular walls contract to force blood out and around the body. The muscles then relax, allowing the heart to fill with blood again. People with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome have an extra piece of heart tissue. This causes a short circuit where the heart's electrical signals quickly travel around in a loop. This can result in a very fast heart beat.
Diagnosis
If you have symptoms like palpitations, you may have a test called an electrocardiogram, or ECG. This measures your heart's rhythm and electrical activity.
Some people need to wear a small portable ECG to capture an episode with Wolff-Parkinson-White symptoms. A portable ECG measures your heart rate continuously for 24 hours, or you can switch it on at the start of an episode.
If your doctor finds that you have Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, they'll assess your symptoms. They may then refer you to a heart specialist, a cardiologist.
You may have an exercise treadmill test as well as an ECG to assess you further.
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can also be diagnosed if you need to have an ECG for another reason. For example, as part of routine assessments before surgery. This means it may be diagnosed even if you don't have any symptoms.
Treatment
If you have symptoms of a rapid heartbeat, this will sometimes settle down on its own without treatment. In some cases, medication or a treatment called catheter ablation is needed.
In an emergency, the heart's electrical activity sometimes needs to be reset. This is called electrical cardioversion.
Complications
Living with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is not usually serious, even if treatment is needed. For many people, episodes will be rare or they may have no symptoms at all.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, support is available.
The British Heart Foundation’s Heart Helpline can help with any questions or worries you have about heart or circulatory issues. Phone the helpline on 0808 802 1234(Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) for advice.
Information and support for people living with a heart condition is also available through:
- The British Heart Foundation
- Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland
Get more information and advice on cardiovascular conditions
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