Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a heart condition that causes the heart to beat abnormally fast for periods of time.
It's a relatively common condition, affecting between one and three in every 1,000 people.
The cause isan extra electrical connection in the heart. This problem with the heart ispresent at birth (congenital), although symptoms may not develop until later in life. Many cases are diagnosed in otherwise healthy adults aged between 20 and 40.
Sometimes the extra electrical connection won't cause any symptoms and may only be picked up when an electrocardiogram (ECG) test is carried out for another reason. In these cases, further tests will be done to determine if treatment is required.
Read about Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, a heart condition that can cause the heart to beat abnormally fast. Find out about the symptoms, causes and treatments.
It can be scary to be told that you have a problem with your heart, but WPW syndrome usually isn't serious. Many people will have no symptoms or only experience occasional, mild episodes of their hear
If you have WPW syndrome, you'll experience episodes where your heart suddenly starts racing, before stopping or slowing down abruptly. This rapid heart rate is called supraventricular tachycardia (SV
If you haven't been diagnosed with WPW syndrome, you should contact your GP or call NHS 111 as soon as possible if your heart startsbeating unusually fast and you have any of the above symptoms. Dial
When the heart beats, its muscular walls contract (tighten and squeeze) to force blood out and around the body. They then relax, allowing the heart to fill with blood again. This is controlled by elec
Ifyour doctorthinks you might haveWPW syndrome after assessing your symptoms, they'll probably recommendhaving an electrocardiogram (ECG) and will refer you to acardiologist (heart specialist). An ECG
In many cases, episodes of abnormal heart activity associated with WPW syndrome are harmless, don't last long, and settle down on their own without treatment. You may therefore not need any treatment
If you have Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, your clinical team will pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scient