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Can I treat WPW without an ablation?

Posted by mspears12 @mspears12, 1 day ago

Hello, I recently went to a cardiologist due to my high heart rate, palpitations and light headed/dizzy spells. I am a healthy 31 year old. I have never had major issues in the past, however I always noticed my high heart rate. The cardiologist diagnosed me with WPW, then ordered another heart monitor, a stress test, and an echocardiogram. He found a small "episode" from the monitor, the stress test was excellent (no issues), and the echo showed a strong heart. Then he told me I have three options: do nothing and monitor, perform an EP study, or medications. I told him I don't want to do medications. I believe since I haven't passed out there isn't a major urgency to get an ablation. He said if they do the EP study and they find the pathway then they will do the ablation. If they don't find anything significant they won't do anything. So my question is should I even waste my time doing the EP study if they don't find anything? And how am I having dizzy spells for hours if the ekg isn't showing anything? Could there be something else going on?

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gloaming | @gloaming | 1 day ago

Electrical disorders of the heart tend to be progressive. They tend, not absolutely certainly, to get worse in time. The less management of them via drugs or 'mechanical fixes' like ablation, the more they tend to run on to more advanced issues and the more resistant they become to any treatment.

WPW is not considered to be a progressive disorder. So, you may dodge a bullet there. However, it couldn't hurt to consult a top-notch EP and see what that person suggests. If nothing else, you would like to have shaken hands and introduced yourself, let that person 'feel you out' to see if you're a good candidate for anything he/she can offer you, even if it's years from now. And then ride it out.

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chickenfarmer | @chickenfarmer | 7 hours ago

For those with paroxysmal AF, ECG may not catch it as ECG is a short term measurement. EPs gernerally prescribe a Holter monitor fo 2-4 weeks to get a better feel of long term heart rhythm behavior. If you're not already doing so. You may want to get an Iwatch or Galaxy watch so you can monitor and record heart rhythms.

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gloaming | @gloaming | 1 hour ago
In reply to @chickenfarmer "For those with paroxysmal AF, ECG may not catch it as ECG is a short term..." + (show)
Profile picture for chickenfarmer @chickenfarmer

For those with paroxysmal AF, ECG may not catch it as ECG is a short term measurement. EPs gernerally prescribe a Holter monitor fo 2-4 weeks to get a better feel of long term heart rhythm behavior. If you're not already doing so. You may want to get an Iwatch or Galaxy watch so you can monitor and record heart rhythms.

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@chickenfarmer WPW is not the same as AF:
https://litfl.com/atrial-fibrillation-in-pre-excitation/
https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/specific-cardiac-arrhythmias/atrial-fibrillation-and-wolff-parkinson-white-syndrome-wpw-syndrome

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