Wolff-Parkinson White (WPW) syndrome is a condition in which there is a faster than normal heart rate, due to an abnormality in the electrical activity of the heart. A normal heartbeat begins with the heart’s natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial node. Electrical impulses then travel through the atrioventricular node. In persons with WPW syndrome, there is an additional abnormal pathway between the atria and ventricles, which moves the impulse faster through the heart. The additional pathway is problematic because the normal electrical impulse can arrive at the ventricle earlier than normal, leading to a heart rate that is faster than normal. This can occur in persons with WPW syndrome as an arrhythmia. The rapid heart rate and abnormal heart rhythms can lead to dizziness, fainting, and palpitations.
Treatments for WPW syndrome are available. Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that aims to destroy the extra pathway that is causing the fast heartbeat. Ibutilide (Corvert) is an antiarrhythmic medication designed to end atrial fibrillation. Flecainide (Tambocor) and propafenone (Rythmol) are antiarrhythmic medications that may be taken on a regular basis for the prevention of atrial fibrillation in persons with this condition.
Do you have a question that you would like answered? Contact the helpful and knowledgeable Pharmacists at Cheek & Scott Drugs, in Live Oak and Lake City, Florida.
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