Pre-excitation

Pre-excitation is a condition in the heart where part of the heart muscle is activated or "excited" too early. This is usually due to an additional electrical pathway in the heart that is present from birth (congenital).

Causes

Pre-excitation is caused by the presence of an additional electrical pathway in the heart. This pathway, which is present from birth, allows electrical signals to bypass the atrioventricular node (AV node) and move from the atria to the ventricles faster than usual. This can lead to a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) or other heart rhythm disorders.

Symptoms

The symptoms of pre-excitation can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience:

• Palpitations
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting

Diagnosis

Pre-excitation is usually diagnosed through an electrocardiogram (ECG), which can show the early activation of the ventricles. Other tests, such as an echocardiogram or a stress test, may also be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition.

Treatment

The treatment for pre-excitation depends on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary. In others, medications may be used to control the heart rate or prevent arrhythmias. In severe cases, a procedure called catheter ablation may be used to destroy the extra electrical pathway.

See also

• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Electrophysiology study

Pre-excitation Resources
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