Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Normal heartbeats originate from the sinoatrial node in the right atrium. There is a normal electrical signal pathway between the atria and ventricles, allowing impulses from the sinoatrial node to be transmitted to the ventricles through this normal pathway, causing ventricular contractions. Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, also known as pre-excitation syndrome, is a clinical syndrome characterized by the presence of one or more additional electrical conduction pathways between the sinoatrial node or atria and ventricles, in addition to the normal electrical signal conduction pathway. This abnormal atrioventricular conduction pathway causes premature excitation of part or all of the ventricular myocardium, leading to characteristic electrocardiogram changes and potentially paroxysmal tachyarrhythmias. When tachycardia does not occur, WPW syndrome generally presents with no specific symptoms. However, when accompanied by rapid atrial arrhythmias, especially atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation, the heart rate can be extremely fast (up to 200 beats/minute), leading to symptoms such as significant palpitations and chest tightness. This can induce heart failure, cardiogenic syncope, and other complications.