Ventricular preexcitation

Ventricular preexcitation is a condition related to the electrical conduction system of the heart. It is characterized by an abnormal activation of the ventricles due to an accessory pathway known as the Bundle of Kent. This condition can lead to episodes of tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and is associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

Overview

In a normal heart, the electrical impulse originates in the sinoatrial node (SA node), travels to the atrioventricular node (AV node), and then down the His-Purkinje system to the ventricles. In ventricular preexcitation, the electrical impulse bypasses the AV node and travels down an accessory pathway to the ventricles, causing them to contract prematurely.

Causes

Ventricular preexcitation is most commonly associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a condition in which an individual is born with an extra electrical pathway in the heart. Other causes can include cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, and certain medications.

Symptoms

Symptoms of ventricular preexcitation can vary widely, from no symptoms at all to episodes of rapid heart rate. Other symptoms can include palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and syncope (fainting).

Diagnosis

Ventricular preexcitation is typically diagnosed through an electrocardiogram (ECG), which can show the characteristic "delta wave" associated with the condition. Other diagnostic tests can include Holter monitoring and electrophysiology study.

Treatment

Treatment for ventricular preexcitation can include medications to control the heart rate, catheter ablation of the accessory pathway, or in some cases, cardiac surgery.

See also

• Cardiac electrophysiology
• Cardiology
• Electrocardiography