Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome: Symptom-Free Is Not Risk-Free

Mayo Clinic pediatric cardiologist and electrophysiology specialist Bryan Cannon, M.D., along with cardiologist Bernard Gersh, M.B., Ch.B., D.Phil., discuss Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome in asymptomatic patients. To learn more about Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome or to request an appointment, please visit http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-co.... Wolff-Parkinson-White is a syndrome in which an extra electrical pathway between the upper and lower chambers of the heart causes a rapid heartbeat. WPW is relatively common and with increased screening for athletics and attention-deficit/hyperactivity-disorder, more patients are being diagnosed and treated. It is important for patients, even those with no symptoms, to be treated as there have been a small percentage of asymptomatic patients where sudden cardiac death has occurred. Treatment can include a transesophageal study or an electrophysiology study and cardiac ablation. Advances in technology, high success rates, and very low complication rates make treating asymptomatic WPW patients desirable. Video Content Outline: • Introduction • What is Wolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome(0:45) • Asymptomatic Patients (1:10) • Step-by-step diagnosis for WPW (2:20) • Treatment for WPW (3:45) • Role of isoproterenol (5:15) • Do you ablate? (5:36) • Conclusion (6:45)