Pre excitation syndromes refer to a group of rare cardiac disorders characterized by an abnormal electrical pathway in the heart, leading to an accelerated heart rate. Normal electrical conduction in the heart occurs through a specific pathway, known as the atrioventricular (AV) node, which controls the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. However, in pre excitation syndromes, an additional electrical connection, called an accessory pathway, is present, which allows electrical impulses to bypass the normal pathway and reach the ventricles of the heart directly. This bypassing of the AV node results in a rapid heart rate, known as tachycardia.
There are several types of pre excitation syndromes, with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome being the most common. In WPW syndrome, the accessory pathway is known as the Bundle of Kent. Other pre excitation syndromes include Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome and Mahaim syndrome.
Individuals with pre excitation syndromes may experience symptoms such as palpitations, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, fainting, or chest pain. However, some people with these syndromes may remain asymptomatic.
Pre excitation syndromes can be diagnosed through an electrocardiogram (ECG), which reveals characteristic findings such as a shortened PR interval, delta waves, and widened QRS complexes. Treatment options for pre excitation syndromes include medication to control heart rate and rhythm, catheter ablation to destroy the accessory pathway, or in severe cases, implantation of an artificial pacemaker.
