The ELECTROCARDIOGRAM(ECG) provides the diag-
nosis, showing the accessory conductive pathway.
People who do not have symptoms do not need
treatment though should receive regular follow-
up evaluation from a cardiologist. When symp-
toms are present, treatment is necessary and may
take the form of medication to regulate the heart’s
rhythm or RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATIONto destroy the
extra pathway. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
tends to show symptoms in early to middle adult-
hood. Undetected and untreated Wolff-Parkinson-
White syndrome may result in SUDDEN CARDIAC
DEATH. With appropriate treatment, most people
who have the condition no longer experience
symptoms.
See also CARDIAC CYCLE; HEART; LONG QT SYNDROME
(LQTS); MEDICATIONS TO TREAT CARDIOVASCULAR
DISEASE.Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome 117