Does your heart suddenly beat faster? - Let's learn about Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome in simple terms

Do you sometimes feel like your heart is beating faster for no reason? Do you feel like you've just run away? Do you feel like your chest is pounding, you feel short of breath, you feel dizzy, and your eyes are turning blue? If you have had these experiences, one of the reasons could be the condition we're talking about today called Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. Don't be afraid if the name sounds a bit complicated. Let's talk about this very simply, in a way that you can understand.

What exactly is Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome?

Simply put, WPW Syndrome is a small change in the way electrical signals travel in our heart. It is a condition that is present at birth.

Think of it like a little pump. For this pump to work in the right rhythm, it needs to receive electrical signals. Normally, these signals only travel along one specific path in the heart. Along this path is a small junction called the AV node . This junction helps the upper parts of the heart (atria) and lower parts (ventricular chambers) contract in a precise order.

But in the heart of someone with WPW Syndrome, there is an accessory pathway in addition to the normal electrical pathway. This is like a "shortcut" that can be used to bypass a main road in a city.

This extra pathway, bypassing the AV node that controls the rate, allows the electrical signals to travel very quickly to the lower chambers of the heart, the ventricles. This causes the heart chambers to contract earlier than normal. In medicine, we call this preexcitation . These rapid and abnormal signals cause the heart to beat suddenly faster. We use names like ``supraventricular tachycardia - SVT'' or ``atrial fibrillation - AFib'' for these types of rapid heart beats.

This condition is not very common. It affects between 1 and 3 in 1,000 people worldwide. It is more common in people with other congenital heart defects, such as Ebstein's anomaly.

What are the symptoms of WPW Syndrome?

Not everyone with WPW Syndrome will have symptoms. Some people may not know they have the condition for the rest of their lives. But if symptoms do occur, they usually occur when the heart rate becomes too fast.

Why does this happen? When the heart beats too fast, its chambers don't have enough time to fill with blood. As a result, the heart can't pump enough blood to the body. This is when these symptoms occur.

Let's see what the main symptoms are in the table below.

What causes WPW Syndrome?

For most people, no specific cause has been found for WPW Syndrome. This means that it just happens randomly. But for a very small number of people, the condition may be caused by genetic factors. One cause is a change in a gene called PRKAG2 . These genetic changes can also be passed down from generation to generation.

What complications can occur due to this condition?

Most people with WPW Syndrome live normal lives. However, if left untreated, complications can sometimes occur. Don't worry , these are very rare. And there are effective treatments available today that can prevent them.

• Accidents caused by loss of consciousness: If you suddenly lose consciousness, you can fall and get injured.
• Other heart rhythm abnormalities: The risk of developing other heart rhythm abnormalities, such as atrial fibrillation, may increase.
• Dangerous heart rhythm irregularities: Very rarely, a dangerous condition called ``Ventricular fibrillation'' can occur.
• Sudden cardiac death: This is the most serious and rare complication of WPW syndrome. One of the main goals of treatment is to completely eliminate this risk.

How do doctors diagnose this disease?

If you have the symptoms mentioned above, the first thing your doctor will do is to do an ECG (electrocardiogram). This is a very simple, painless test.

An ECG can record the electrical activity of the heart. An ECG of someone with WPW syndrome shows a specific pattern caused by the extra electrical pathway. We call this pattern the "WPW pattern."

• WPW pattern: Even if you have this particular pattern on your ECG, if you have no symptoms, your doctor will only say that you have a WPW pattern.
• WPW Syndrome: If you experience symptoms such as chest pain along with this pattern on your ECG, then your doctor will determine that you have WPW Syndrome.

In addition to the ECG, your doctor may recommend several other tests.

• Echocardiogram (Echo): This is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It helps to see if the heart's structure, chambers, and valves are working properly.
• Electrophysiology study: This is a slightly more complicated test. In this, thin wires (catheters) are inserted into the heart, the electrical pathways of the heart are mapped, and the exact location of the extra pathway is determined.
• Exercise stress test: You are made to run on a treadmill and an ECG is used to monitor how your heart's activity and rhythm change as you exercise.
• Ambulatory monitoring (Holter monitor):A small device is worn on your body that records your heart rate for 24 hours or more. This helps identify changes in your heart rhythm as you go about your normal daily activities.

What are the treatments for WPW Syndrome?

There are very effective treatments for WPW Syndrome. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment for you based on the nature of your symptoms, how often they occur, and the results of your tests.

When should I see the doctor?

If you have WPW Syndrome, it is very important that you see your doctor for regular check-ups (follow-up). Your doctor will tell you how often you should come in. Also, if you notice any changes in your symptoms or develop any new symptoms, let your doctor know right away.

When to go to the ETU for emergency treatment

If you experience the following symptoms, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately .

• If you experience severe chest pain .
• Fainting.
• If your rapid heartbeat persists for more than a few minutes and does not subside even after performing the Vagal Maneuvers your doctor has prescribed.

If you become unconscious, you may not be able to help yourself. That's why it's important to let your family and friends who you spend time with know about your condition. That way, they will know what to do in an emergency.

What will my future be like with this situation?

Most people with WPW Syndrome who receive proper treatment can live normal, healthy lives . Catheter Ablation, in particular, can completely cure the condition and protect you from the risk of sudden cardiac death.

You may have to be careful about certain things in your daily life. For example, it's best to avoid things that can make your heart beat faster.

• Alcohol
• Caffeine (coffee, some teas, some soft drinks)
• Stimulants like nicotine (smoking)
• Strenuous, strenuous exercise (ask your doctor what exercises are safe for you)

If your child has WPW Syndrome...

As a parent, you may feel very scared when you find out that your child has this condition. That's normal. The most important thing is to talk openly with your child's doctor and ask all your questions.

For example, get clear instructions on whether it's safe for your child to play sports or what to do if their heart rate increases at school. The doctor can also help you explain the situation in a language your child understands.

The name WPW Syndrome can be scary. But remember, it is a condition that can be managed, and in most cases, completely cured. Your doctor and medical team are here to help you. So don't hesitate to ask any questions you have.