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Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome is a condition characterized by the presence of an extra, abnormal electrical pathway between the heart's upper and lower chambers. This condition causes rapid, abnormal heart rhythms (tachyarrhythmias).
read more about wolff parkinson white syndrome ...The cause is a congenital (present at birth) defect where the abnormal electrical pathway (called the Bundle of Kent) forms during foetal development. This extra pathway creates an electrical short circuit, bypassing the heart's natural gatekeeper (the AV node). This allows electrical signals to travel too quickly between the chambers, leading to episodes of extremely fast and erratic heartbeats. This rapid circuit causes the heart to lose its coordinated pumping rhythm, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Symptoms are associated with episodes of rapid heart rhythm. These include heart palpitations (a fluttering or pounding sensation), dizziness, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath. The rapid beating can be alarming and severely reduces the heart's efficiency, sometimes leading to fainting (syncope). Intervention is necessary when the rapid rate threatens the heart's ability to pump blood effectively or poses a risk of sudden cardiac death.
Diagnosis is confirmed using an electrocardiogram (ECG), which detects the characteristic abnormal electrical pattern (a short PR interval and a delta wave). Electrophysiology studies (EPS) may be performed in a hospital setting to precisely map the location of the extra pathway.
Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome directly impacts vision during episodes. The rapid, inefficient pumping of the heart causes a temporary drop in blood pressure and reduced blood flow to the brain and eyes. This leads to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and temporary blurred vision or darkening of the visual field.
Treatment involves eliminating the extra electrical pathway. The definitive treatment is catheter ablation, where doctors use heat or cold energy to destroy the small area of abnormal tissue causing the short circuit. Medications may also be used to control the heart rate.
Yes, catheter ablation is often curative, permanently eliminating the abnormal pathway.
No, it is a relatively rare congenital heart condition.
Yes, even if the person is asymptomatic, the condition carries a risk of sudden cardiac death and requires medical evaluation.
Consult a cardiologist if you experience a racing heart (palpitations) or fainting spells. During episodes of rapid heart rate (tachycardia), you may experience "blurred vision" or "lightheadedness" due to decreased blood flow to the brain and eyes.
American Heart Association. Wolff-Parkinson-White (heart.org). 2024.
Mayo Clinic. WPW Syndrome (mayoclinic.org). 2024.
Cleveland Clinic. WPW Syndrome (clevelandclinic.org). 2024.
StatPearls. Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). 2024.