May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Heart Disease Question Concerning Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome Symptoms
Question Concerning Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome Symptoms |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: My boyfriend was recently diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. I did some research, and he also has nearly all of the symptoms of heart block and many symptoms of heart failure. He also has other health problems, like an enlarged heart. Whenever he has an episode with his heart, he gets very dizzy, nauseous, has chest pain and cold sweats, and eventually has a blackout. Is there anything that I can do to help alleviate these symptoms when they occur? Dear Cynthia: Your boyfriend needs to avoid any known stimulants, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and smoking. Exercise regularly and control stress. Some relaxation techniques include muscle relaxation, deep breathing and meditation. Have a diet low in cholesterol, fat and salt. The treatment goals for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome are to slow a fast heart rate when it occurs and prevent future episodes. A fast heartbeat may correct itself, however, medication or other medical treatment may be required to slow down the heartbeat. A few physical methods to slow down heartbeat during the episode include: - a vagal maneuver during an episode of a fast heartbeat such as coughing, bearing down as if you are having a bowel movement, and putting an ice pack or splashing cold water on the face. These maneuvers increase the tone of the vagus nerve on the heart and this increased vagal tone stimulates release of substances that decrease the heart rate, which can break the abnormal electrical circuit. - lie down and relax to assist body in slowing your heart rate. Take some slow, deep breaths. Often, heart will slow by itself. - Carotid massage which involves gently pressing and rubbing the carotid sinus, located in your neck just under the angle of the jaw. Carotid massage can release chemicals to slow heart rate. It is recommended that you consult his doctor for an opinion and advice to be followed during an episode in his case. - a vagal maneuver during an episode of a fast heartbeat such as coughing, bearing down as if you are having a bowel movement, and putting an ice pack or splashing cold water on the face. These maneuvers increase the tone of the vagus nerve on the heart and this increased vagal tone stimulates release of substances that decrease the heart rate, which can break the abnormal electrical circuit.
- lie down and relax to assist body in slowing your heart rate. Take some slow, deep breaths. Often, heart will slow by itself.
- Carotid massage which involves gently pressing and rubbing the carotid sinus, located in your neck just under the angle of the jaw. Carotid massage can release chemicals to slow heart rate.
It is recommended that you consult his doctor for an opinion and advice to be followed during an episode in his case.
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 28 April 2011 ) |
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