How does life expectancy change with WPW syndrome? | WPW Syndrome

How does life expectancy change with WPW syndrome?

WPW syndrome in itself does not change life expectancy. Patients suffering from WPW syndrome do not have a limited life expectancy. In addition, high-frequency ablation is a causal therapy that in most cases can eliminate the cause of the disease and thus practically cure the condition. In rare cases, however, sudden cardiac death can occur.

How dangerous can a WPW syndrome become?

A WPW syndrome can be very dangerous in that it can induce atrial fibrillation in rather rare cases. In patients without WPW syndrome, atrial fibrillation is usually not highly acutely life-threatening. However, in patients with WPW syndrome, atrial fibrillation can induce ventricular fibrillation due to the second conduction pathway.

Ventricular fibrillation means that the heart becomes overexcited and beats so fast that it can only fibrillate and no longer work effectively. Therefore ventricular fibrillation is fatal if left untreated. It requires immediate resuscitation with defibrillation. Because of this complication, sudden cardiac death, WPW syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires treatment. The exact type of treatment depends on the symptoms and risk profile of the patient.

Can I do sports with WPW syndrome?

Patients who suffer from WPW syndrome but are completely asymptomatic are allowed to exercise without restriction. However, regular monitoring of the heart findings by a cardiologist is recommended.Particularly in very young asymptomatic patients, an electrophysiological examination should be performed before the release of the sport for a more precise diagnosis. An electrophysiological examination should also be performed in all patients suffering from recurrent episodes of tachycardia.

High-frequency catheter ablation is usually recommended as the therapy of choice. A resumption of (competitive) sports is normally possible 3-6 months after successful ablation treatment. Athletes who cannot be treated curatively by ablation and who are not responding to drug therapy and who suffer from recurrent attacks of tachycardia should only exercise very moderately. In any case, all patients with WPW syndrome who exercise should first consult their attending cardiologist.