Pre-excitation syndrome

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Pre-excitation syndrome is a condition in which part of the heart is electrically activated earlier than it should be due to an abnormal electrical connection or accessory pathway. This can lead to various types of arrhythmias, including supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

Pathophysiology

Pre-excitation syndromes are typically caused by the presence of an accessory pathway, which is an abnormal electrical connection between the atria and the ventricles. This pathway bypasses the normal conduction system of the heart, which includes the sinoatrial node, atrioventricular node, and the His-Purkinje system. The most common type of pre-excitation syndrome is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW), which involves the presence of the Bundle of Kent.

Types

There are several types of pre-excitation syndromes, including:

• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW)
• Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome (LGL)

Symptoms

Symptoms of pre-excitation syndrome can vary but often include:

• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Syncope

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pre-excitation syndrome is typically made using an electrocardiogram (ECG), which can show characteristic findings such as a short PR interval and a delta wave in the case of WPW. Additional diagnostic tools may include Holter monitoring, electrophysiological study, and echocardiography.

Treatment

Treatment options for pre-excitation syndrome may include:

• Medications such as beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs
• Catheter ablation to destroy the accessory pathway
• Lifestyle modifications to avoid triggers

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with pre-excitation syndrome varies. Some people may experience only occasional symptoms, while others may have frequent and severe episodes of arrhythmia. With appropriate treatment, many individuals can manage their symptoms effectively.

Related Pages

• Arrhythmia
• Supraventricular tachycardia
• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
• Electrocardiogram
• Catheter ablation