Preexcitation Syndrome

Preexcitation syndrome is a condition where the electrical impulses that control the heartbeat are abnormal, causing the heart to beat too quickly. This occurs when there is an extra electrical pathway between the atria and ventricles, which are the upper and lower chambers of the heart.

Causes

The exact cause of preexcitation syndrome is not always known, but it is often associated with an abnormality in the electrical conduction system of the heart. This can be due to a congenital condition, where the extra pathway is present at birth, or it can be acquired later in life due to various factors such as:

• Cardiac surgery
• Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
• Inflammatory conditions, such as myocarditis or pericarditis

Symptoms

The symptoms of preexcitation syndrome can vary from person to person and may include:

• Palpitations (irregular heartbeat)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting (syncope)
• Fatigue or weakness

Types

There are several types of preexcitation syndrome, including:

• Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome: This is the most common type and is characterized by an extra electrical pathway between the atria and ventricles.
• Lown-Ganong-Levine (LGL) syndrome: This type is similar to WPW, but the extra pathway is located in a different area of the heart.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of preexcitation syndrome is typically made using:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can show the abnormal pathway.
• Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to create images of the heart and can help identify any structural abnormalities.
• Electrophysiology study: This test involves inserting a catheter into the heart to measure the electrical activity and locate the extra pathway.

Treatment

The treatment for preexcitation syndrome depends on the severity of the symptoms and the type of abnormality. Options may include:

• Medications: To control the heart rate and prevent arrhythmias.
• Catheter ablation: A minimally invasive procedure to destroy the extra pathway.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or remove the abnormal tissue.

Complications

If left untreated, preexcitation syndrome can lead to complications such as:

• Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
• Ventricular tachycardia (fast heart rate)
• Cardiac arrest (sudden loss of heart function)