May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Heart Disease Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome Treatment options
Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome Treatment options |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: Hello, I'm 35, and after a routine annual checkup, I was diagnosed with WPW syndrome. Although I do not have any symptoms now, I have had them in the past, during a time of my life when I had a lot more stress. My options now are to live as is, to take pills or to have this surgically corrected. I'm not sure which path to take, so I've decided to do nothing....and now I'm worried a bit as to what I can and can't do. Can I excercise? If so, how much, what kind? Can I push myself too hard and cause harm? Is there anthing else I can do to help myself somehow. Please advise. Thank You Dear Sylvia: WPW is caused by an extra electrical connection between the top chambers of the heart (atria) and bottom chambers of the heart (ventricles). A short circuit can occur when an early beat results in conduction through this connection, and this usually manifests as heart palpitations or fluttering in the chest. Most of the time this extra connection is of little or no significance. However in theory it is possible if the top chamber develops a fast heart beat (the atria can beat up to 300 beats per minute) that this could conduct to the bottom chamber at a very rapid rate, which can be dangerous. I would advise that you are referred to a cardiologist that specialises in conduction problems, known as a cardiac electrophysiologist. He may perform an electrical study of your heart (performed through a vein in your groin) and if an abnormal electrical pathway is located, this can be definitively treated by an ablation. This procedure is relatively safe but should be discussed with the specialist performing the procedure. |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 17 October 2011 ) |
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