Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW)

Follow Up Required

Your child participated in a cardiac screening with Who We Play For. An ECG was performed and reviewed by a licensed Cardiologist with specific training on reading ECGs according to the International Criteria.

Initial findings of that ECG indicate that secondary testing is necessary.

What does it mean to have an abnormal ECG?

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Abnormal ECG Flag

  • Being flagged with an abnormal from the WWPF Medical Advisory team means our pedicatric cardiologist who reviewed the electrocardiogram (ECG) saw something that matches an abnormality. This does not mean with 100% certainty that there is an abnormality, but additional follow up should be done in order to ensure nothing is wrong.

  • It is recommended by the WWPF Medical Advisory Team to receive follow up care within 90 days of an abnormal flag. The person can continue to participate in activities as long as they are symptom free.

  • If there was an abnormal flag on an ECG the following symptoms would be cause for immediate medical attention:

    • Fainting or seizures during or immediately following exercise.

    • Unexplained shortness of breath.

    • Dizziness.

    • Extreme fatigue.

    • Racing heart (feels like it is beating out of your chest).

    • Sudden and unexplained death of a family member under the age of 50.

    If you experience any of these symptoms get an appointment with a pediatric cardiologist right away.

What is Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW)?

Initial findings from your child’s cardiac screening show an abnormal conduction pathway of the electrical signal called pre-excitation or Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) pattern. WPW is the presence of an extra, accessory electrical pathway in the heart that can lead to periods of a very fast heartbeat (tachycardia).

People of all ages can experience the symptoms related to WPW. Episodes of a fast heartbeat often first occur in the teens or early 20s. In most cases, the episodes of fast heartbeats aren't life threatening, but serious heart problems can occur.

Since this is an electrical problem and not a structural problem with the heart, consultation with an Electrophysiologist or Cardiologist is recommended for secondary testing.

Diagnosis:

QRS: Slurring and a PR interval of less than 120ms

Family History: Review family history.

Consult: Pediatric Cardiologist

Secondary Test Might Include:

  • Echocardiogram

  • EP Study

  • Stress Test

Your child can continue to participate in the current sports season within school/orgnaization guidelines, but should seek the advice of a Cardiologist for a more detailed examination.

Follow Up Care By State

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