Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome occurs in people who have a second (or ancillary) pathway within the heart that conducts electrical signals between the atria and ventricles. Electrical signals skip the AV node and instead use the extra pathway. The signals reach the ventricles too soon and reverberate back to the atria, causing very fast heartbeats.
Most cases of Wolff-Parkinson-White are usually hereditary or associated with congenital (present at birth) or acquired heart defects.
Most people with WPW have no symptoms, but in some people, it can be extremely dangerous and can even pose a serious risk for sudden death.
Cardiac ablation is a treatment option for those who have these symptoms due to the risk of sudden death. Cardiac ablation can eliminate the symptoms of the disorder in most (85%–95%) cases, depending on the location of the pathway.
More information on the different types of arrhythmias can be found on the following pages:
