An extra electrical pathway in the heart may lead to sudden episodes of a rapid heart rhythm.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- Rapid heartbeat with loss of consciousness
- Chest pain
- A very rapid pulse that does not resolve
- Family history of sudden death
What is it?
Some WPW findings are detected incidentally on an ECG and never cause symptoms. In other cases, risk assessment and treatment with ablation are discussed.
Symptoms
- Sudden-onset palpitations
- Dizziness
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Sometimes an asymptomatic ECG finding
Causes & risk factors
- Congenital extra conduction pathway
- Rarely, a familial predisposition
- Episodes of abnormal heart rhythm at a young age
- Association with certain structural heart diseases
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is not based on a single test alone. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination findings and instrumental test results are assessed together.
- ECG
- Holter monitoring
- Event monitor
- Echocardiography
- Electrophysiology study
- Risk stratification
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to disease severity, the patient's overall condition, coexisting conditions and procedural risk.
- Observation in selected asymptomatic cases
- Heart rhythm management during an episode
- Catheter ablation
- Prevention of high-risk arrhythmias
- Careful selection of medications
How we help
At the center, ECG features, episode history and risk indicators are assessed in patients with WPW. An electrophysiology study and ablation are discussed in symptomatic or high-risk cases.
When a procedure may be needed
Ablation may be needed for recurrent symptomatic episodes, a high-risk accessory pathway or risks related to occupational or sports safety.
Patient checklist
- Keep a copy of your ECG
- Record the start and end times of the episode
- Report any loss of consciousness
- Do not take heart rhythm medication without medical advice
FAQ
Is WPW always dangerous?
Not always. Risk is assessed according to the characteristics of the extra pathway and the symptoms.
Can ablation be effective for WPW?
Yes. In appropriate cases, catheter ablation is one of the main treatment options.
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