Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome

Overview

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) is a heart condition that occurs in people born with an extra electrical pathway for heartbeat signals. When electrical impulses or signals take this extra route instead of the usual one, they travel through your heart too quickly. This causes your heart to beat rapidly, a type of abnormal heart rhythm that healthcare providers call supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

A heart that beats too fast doesn’t allow enough time for blood to fill its chambers before the next heartbeat. That means your heart can’t send as much blood to your body as it should.

How common is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is rare. The condition happens in about 1 to 3 in 1,000 people in the world. Anyone can get Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, and the condition may run in families. WPW is more common in people of Chinese descent.

Products & Services

A Book: Future Care

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.