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Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome - Overview

Alternative Names

Preexcitation syndrome; WPW

Definition of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome:

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a heart condition in which there is an extra electrical pathway (circuit) in the heart. The condition can lead to episodes of rapid heart rate (tachycardia).

Wolff-Parkinson-White is one of the most common causes of fast heart rate disorders in infants and children.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Normally, electrical signals in the heart go through a pathway that helps the heart beat regularly. The wiring of the heart prevents extra beats from occurring and keeps the next beat from happening too soon.

In people with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, there is an extra, or accessory, pathway that may cause a very rapid heart rate. This is called supraventricular tachycardia.

Conduction system of the heart

Reviewed last on: 8/8/2011
A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Issam Mikati, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine. Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (5/4/2010).

References

Olgin JE, Zipes DP. Specific arrhythmias: diagnosis and treatment. Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007:chap 35.

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