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Exams and Tests in wpw Syndrome

Exams and Tests http://spermup.blogspot.com/

An exam performed during a tachycardia episode will reveal a heart rate greater than 230 beats per minute and blood pressure that is normal or low. A normal heart rate is 60 - 100 beats per minute in adults, and under 150 beats per minute in neonates, infants, and small children.

If the patient is currently not having tachycardia, the physical exam may be completely normal.

A test called EPS may help identify the location of the extra electrical pathway.

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome may be revealed by the following tests:

* ECG (electrocardiogram) may show an abnormality called a "delta" wave.
* Continuous ambulatory monitoring (Holter monitor)

Treatment

Medication may be used to control or prevent rapid heart beating. These include adenosine, antiarrhythmics, and amiodarone.

If the heart rate does not return to normal with medication, doctors may use a type of therapy called electrical cardioversion (shock).

The current preferred therapy for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is catheter ablation. This procedure involves inserting a tube (catheter) into an artery through a small cut near the groin up to the heart area. When the tip reaches the heart, the small area that is causing the fast heart rate is destroyed using a special type of energy called radiofrequency.

Open heart surgery may also provide a permanent cure for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. However, surgery is usually done only if the patient must have surgery for other reasons.

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