WPWoireyhtymä

WPWoirehtymä, also known as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, is a cardiac condition characterized by the presence of an accessory electrical pathway in the heart. Normally, electrical impulses travel from the atria to the ventricles through the atrioventricular (AV) node. In individuals with WPW syndrome, an extra pathway bypasses the AV node, leading to pre-excitation of the ventricles. This abnormal electrical conduction can result in episodes of rapid heart rate, known as supraventricular tachycardia.

The cause of WPW syndrome is congenital, meaning individuals are born with the extra pathway. It is not typically caused by lifestyle factors. Symptoms can vary widely and may include palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and in rare cases, fainting. Some individuals with WPW syndrome may be asymptomatic and have the condition discovered incidentally during an electrocardiogram (ECG). The ECG is crucial for diagnosis, as it can reveal characteristic patterns indicating ventricular pre-excitation.

Management of WPW syndrome depends on the presence and severity of symptoms. Asymptomatic individuals may not require treatment. For those experiencing symptomatic arrhythmias, treatment options include medications to control heart rate and rhythm, or catheter ablation, a procedure that targets and ablates the accessory pathway. Catheter ablation is often considered a curative treatment for WPW syndrome. While WPW syndrome is a lifelong condition, effective management strategies can significantly improve quality of life and reduce the risk of complications.