Wolff-Parkinson White Syndrome

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Wolff-Parkinson White Syndrome

Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome is a heart condition where there is an extra electrical pathway or circuit in the heart. The condition can lead to episodes of rapid heart also known as tachycardia. Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome, also known as WPW, is present at birth. People of all ages, even infants, can experience the symptoms related to WPW. Episodes of tachycardia often occur when people are in their teens or early twenties. Most of the time, a fast heart beat are not life threatening, but serious heart problems can occur. Treatments for Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome can stop or prevent episodes of fast heart beats. A catheter-based procedure, known as ablation can permanently correct the heart rhythm problems.

Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome got its name from three cardiologists Louis Wolff, Sir John Parkinson and Paul Dudley White. Symptoms of WPW can be dizziness, a feeling of rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats known as palpitations, lightheadedness, fainting, tiring easily during exercise, and anxiety. “Symptoms most often appear for the first time in people in their teens or 20s. An episode of a very fast heartbeat can begin suddenly and last for a few seconds or several hours. Episodes often happen during exercise.” (Mayo Clinic Staff). These symptoms are serious, but there are more serious cases of WPW. The more serious symptoms include, chest pain, cheat tightness, difficulty breathing, and sudden death all while experiencing a rapid heartbeat. The symptoms in infants vary as well. They could be shortness of breath, not alert or active, poor eating and fast heartbeats that are visible on the chest. Wolff-Parkinson White pattern is when a person has no symptoms. “A person...

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... radiofrequency.” (Pub Med Health). Open heart surgery is always an option because it offers a permanent cure for Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome.

Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome has affected myself, my mother and my oldest daughter. The medical treatments they have and the medication Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome is easy to live with.

References

Bowden, J.L. (n.d.). What is wolff-parkinson white syndrome?.

Retrieved from http://hubpages.com/hub/What-is-Wolff-Parkinson-White-Syndrome

Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome: Symptoms - MayoClinic.com." Mayo Clinic. 25 Feb. 2011. Web. .

"Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome - PubMed Health." Pub Med Health. 4 May 2010. Web. .

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