Have you ever felt your heart suddenly start racing for no clear reason? Maybe you’ve experienced dizziness, shortness of breath, or even fainting, leaving you wondering what’s going on. This condition is called WPW syndrome.
It is a heart condition present at birth. It means it is a congenital heart defect. While WPW can cause episodes of a fast heartbeat, the good news is that it is treatable and often not life-threatening when managed properly. In this blog, we’ll break down what WPW syndrome is, why it happens, and whether it’s something to be concerned about. If you or a family member are facing any heart-related issues, consult the Best Cardiologists in Kolkata at BM Birla Hospital.
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a rare condition that affects the heart’s electrical system. It causes your heart to beat faster than normal. It happens due to an extra electrical pathway. This extra pathway allows signals to travel too quickly, leading to episodes of fast heartbeat.
When the heart beats too fast, it doesn’t have enough time to fill with blood before pumping again. As a result, the body may not receive enough blood flow. This type of abnormal heart rhythm is called supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
Some people may not even realise they have it until it's detected during a routine heart test. How fast does the heart beat in WPW?
Infants with WPW may show different signs, such as:
Some people have an extra electrical pathway without any noticeable symptoms. This is called the WPW pattern and is usually found by accident during an ECG or other heart test. If you have any concerns about your heart rhythm, speaking with a healthcare professional is always a good idea.
The heart relies on electrical signals to maintain a steady rhythm. These signals follow a specific pathway, ensuring that each heartbeat occurs in an orderly manner. This prevents irregular beats or the heart beating too quickly.
In WPW syndrome, an extra electrical pathway exists in the heart. This allows signals to travel too quickly, leading to episodes of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), a type of fast heartbeat.
Most people with WPW do not have other cardiac conditions, but in some cases, it has been linked to the Ebstein anomaly. It is a congenital heart defect. Apart from that, a genetic form of WPW exists, meaning the condition can sometimes run in families.
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a heart condition that affects the heart's electrical system. It causes episodes of a fast heartbeat. While it can be concerning, the good news is that WPW is treatable. Many people with this condition live their lives normally and healthily. Understanding the symptoms and seeking medical advice early can manage your symptoms.
If you’ve been experiencing unexplained rapid heartbeats, dizziness, fainting or other symptoms mentioned in this blog, don’t ignore them. It is advisable for you to consult doctors at CK Birla Hospital, Kolkata.
With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with WPW have a normal life expectancy.
WPW can sometimes lead to serious heart rhythm problems, but with treatment, risks are significantly reduced.
Many people with WPW can exercise, but it’s best to consult a doctor to determine safe activity levels.
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