Arrhythmia

Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

With Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, an extra, abnormal pathway is present between the atrium, or upper chamber, and ventricle, or lower chamber. This causes the electrical signal to arrive at the ventricle too soon and to be transmitted back into the atrium. Very fast heart rates may develop as the electrical signal ricochets between the atria and ventricles.

WPW Sinus Rhythm

In this diagram, the extra connection is shown during normal sinus rhythm, or the normal transmission of impulses through the heart.

WPW Orthodromic Reciprocating Tachycardia-Common

In this diagram, the electrical impulse flows down the normal atrioventricular (AV) node from the atrium to the ventricle, and then returns back to the atrium via the extra pathway, which acts as a "short circuit" perpetuating the arrhythmia.

• Other Abnormal Heart rhythms
• Arrhythmia -- Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
• UCSF Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia Service

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.