Wolf Parkinson White syndrome is a heart defect that occurs at birth. It is caused by abnormal electrical conduction in the heart, resulting in rapid heartbeats. This disease also called a congenital heart defect, is rare. Although it is not life-threatening, in some cases it can cause serious heart disease. In rare cases, this syndrome can cause children and young people to lose their lives. As it is a congenital disease, there is no definite cause and there are some risk factors.  The Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome, also called preexcitation syndrome, can be treated in different ways. Usually, these include special medicines, a catheter procedure, and cardioversion. 

Causes of Wolf Parkinson White Syndrome

The cause of Wolf Parkinson-White syndrome is not known exactly. Hereditary factors can cause this disease. However, it is possible to have it even if there is no family history of this disease. Therefore, it is not possible to say that this disease is hereditary. However, it can also occur as a result of heart disease. Heart anomalies, coronary artery disease, heart valve diseases, and heart muscle infections can trigger this disease to occur. In short, there is no definitive cause for Wolf Parkinson White syndrome, and it can be caused by many risk factors.

Symptoms of Wolf Parkinson White Syndrome

Wolf Parkinson-White syndrome can present with some symptoms. However, it can often be asymptomatic. The most common symptom is a rapid heartbeat. In this disease, the heart rate is more than 100 beats per minute. This can cause tachycardia attacks. Other common symptoms of Wolf Parkinson-White syndrome include:

• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Accelerated heartbeat (tachycardia)

In general, these are the symptoms of this congenital disease. The signs might be a little bit different in infants.  They may have pale skin, poor feeding, breathing problems, and restlessness. Since an increased heart rate is the most common symptom of this disease, you should see a doctor. You should call 911, especially if this rapid heart rate is accompanied by life-threatening symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty breathing.

Wolf Parkinson White Syndrome Risk Factors

There is no clear cause for wolf Parkinson-White syndrome, which is a rare disease. However, it should be recognized as a congenital heart disease. Some risk factors can cause this disease to occur. The risk factors for wolf Parkinson-White syndrome are as follows:

Age: This disease is more common in people in their 20s or 30s.

Genetic Factors: Some studies show that wolf Parkinson-White syndrome can occur in families or among relatives.

Gender: More men than women have been found to have this disease.

Heart Conditions: The occurrence of this congenital heart disease may also be due to certain heart conditions. In particular, it can also be caused by atrial fibrillation, a serious condition with irregular heart rhythms. Structural heart diseases can also increase the likelihood of this syndrome. Wolf Parkinson-White syndrome is common in people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

However, because this congenital heart disease is rare, it does not mean that everyone with these risk factors will have WPW syndrome. However, if you have some heart conditions or if you observe serious symptoms, you should consult a specialist doctor. This is because WPW syndrome can jeopardize a person’s health as it can cause some important heart diseases.

Complications of Wolf Parkinson White Syndrome

Wolf Parkinson-White syndrome is a heart condition that can cause various complications. While it is not life-threatening on its own, it can negatively affect a person’s life with some of the heart diseases it causes. It commonly causes tachycardia, but it is not limited to this. Complications of Wolf Parkinson-White syndrome can include:

• Sudden Cardiac Arrest

WPW syndrome, which causes some arrhythmia disorders, can cause serious problems. Sudden cardiac arrest is one of these problems and can lead to sudden cardiac death. This is a risk factor, especially in families with a history of sudden cardiac death.

• Atrial Fibrillation

WPW syndrome can also cause atrial fibrillation, a serious arrhythmia condition. It can lead to paralysis and heart failure and can be life-threatening.

• Heart Failure

Wolf Parkinson-White syndrome is a condition that, in some cases, impairs the function of the heart. This condition, which can make it difficult for the heart to pump blood, can cause heart failure with exertion.

• Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular fibrillation, an important type of arrhythmia, is one of the complications that WPW syndrome can cause. This type of arrhythmia is a serious health problem as it can cause sudden cardiac arrest. It is therefore a complication of Wolf Parkinson-White syndrome with a high risk of life-threatening consequences.

• Tachycardia Attacks

Because WPW syndrome causes heart arrhythmias, it can cause tachycardia attacks in particular. The constant occurrence of tachycardia, which involves rapid heartbeats, reduces the quality of life.

Apart from these complications, other ones can occur. These include shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting. Since these are serious complications, it is important to consult a doctor when they occur together or when they bother the person. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication, surgical procedure, or other treatment depending on the type of complication.

 Wolf Parkinson White Syndrome Prevention

Wolf Parkinson White syndrome is a congenital disorder and therefore cannot be prevented. However, there are some ways to reduce the risk of certain complications. Here are steps you can take to prevent the risks of complications of WPW syndrome:

1. Since WPW syndrome is heart disease, regular follow-ups are necessary. You should consult a specialist cardiologist to find out the state of your heart’s health.
2. To prevent tachycardia attacks caused by this disease, you should avoid triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, and stress.
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle to protect your heart’s health. This means eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, or giving up a sedentary lifestyle. If you have a smoking habit, you should also give it up.
4. You should choose the most appropriate treatment for WPW syndrome. This should be decided by a cardiologist. In general, treatment methods for this disease include medication, catheter ablation, and surgery.
5. By wearing a medical ID bracelet, you can avoid the risks of WPW syndrome in emergencies. Appropriate treatment can then be administered by emergency healthcare professionals.
6. People with this condition should see a cardiologist regularly to manage their health and reduce the risk of complications. The cardiologist will monitor the condition of the patient with WPW syndrome and provide recommendations or appropriate treatment.