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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome and ECG Findings
Introduction
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a congenital heart condition characterized by an abnormal electrical pathway in the heart, leading to episodes of tachycardia (rapid heart rate). It is diagnosed primarily through electrocardiography (ECG), which shows characteristic patterns.
ECG Features of WPW
An ECG in WPW syndrome typically presents the following findings:
- Short PR interval (<120 ms) due to the early activation of the ventricles.
- Delta wave – a slurred upstroke of the QRS complex caused by pre-excitation through an accessory pathway.
- Widened QRS complex (>120 ms) due to the abnormal conduction pathway.
Clinical Significance
WPW syndrome can lead to dangerous arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation with rapid conduction through the accessory pathway, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac events.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis: Made based on ECG findings and, if needed, electrophysiological studies.
- Treatment: Options include catheter ablation (curative), antiarrhythmic medications, and in emergencies, synchronized cardioversion.
Conclusion
WPW syndrome is a significant cardiac condition that can lead to arrhythmias if left untreated. Proper diagnosis and management can reduce risks and improve patient outcomes.
Source recommendations
1. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Management of Supraventricular Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/5/655/5556821
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14563598/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/09/10/12/36/2019-ESC-Guidelines-for-Supraventricular-Tachycardia
2. American Heart Association Guidelines for the Evaluation and Management of Arrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30586772/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/S1547-5271(22)01946-4/fulltext
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000499
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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