Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is called the presence of an additional pulse pathway in the cardiac muscle. Let's look in more detail why the syndrome occurs, and what diagnostic methods can determine the pathology.
Symptoms of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Atria and ventricles of the atrial muscle provide normal blood flow due to alternate contraction. Abbreviations occur as a result of pulses originating from the sinus node.
The scheme of the heart is simple enough:
- the sinus node generates a pulse;
- the impulse causes the atrium to contract;
- then the impulse reaches the atrioventricular node and lingers in it for literally seconds;
- During this time the atria push blood into the ventricles;
- as soon as this occurs, the pulse travels along the legs of the bundle and causes ventricular contraction.
In the syndrome, the impulse can move along the bypass, bypassing the atrioventricular node. Therefore, it reaches the ventricles faster than necessary for normal circulation.
The clinical picture is characterized by attacks of paroxysmal tachycardia. Thus the patient can feel, how the tachycardia is given in a brain. Without timely treatment, the progressive form of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome leads to heart failure , which can not be cured by therapeutic methods.
Diagnosis of WPW syndrome
The only method that allows to diagnose WPW syndrome, otherwise the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, an electrocardiogram. When deciphering the results, the specialist will notice the presence of a bypass pulse path.
However, in addition appoint such hardware examinations as ultrasound and MRI, to compile a detailed clinical picture.
Treatment of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome based on ECG
If the syndrome does not deliver the patient a palpable discomfort, there is no need for treatment. At an aggravation of a clinical picture prescribe the following preparations, capable to prevent development of a heart attack:
- Adenosine;
- Diltiazem;
- Novokainomide;
- Propranolol.
In the presence of atrial fibrillation with the confirmation of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, electro-pulse therapy or intravenous administration of novocaine is recommended on the ECG. Surgical intervention is indicated in the absence of a positive effect of drug therapy.