Cardiovascular
Medicines for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
A condition present from birth in which an extra electrical pathway in the heart can cause episodes of a very fast heartbeat — often curable with a catheter procedure.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a heart condition, present from birth, in which there is an extra electrical connection between the upper and lower chambers of the heart. This extra pathway can allow electrical signals to travel in a loop, causing sudden episodes of a very fast heartbeat (a type of supraventricular tachycardia).
- How it is treated: Treatment depends on symptoms and risk.
- Self-care: Learning simple techniques to stop an episode (as advised by a doctor), avoiding known triggers such as excessive stimulants, and attending assessment all help.
- When to seek help: See a GP about episodes of a sudden fast or pounding heartbeat, especially with dizziness or breathlessness, for assessment.
What it is
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a heart condition, present from birth, in which there is an extra electrical connection between the upper and lower chambers of the heart. This extra pathway can allow electrical signals to travel in a loop, causing sudden episodes of a very fast heartbeat (a type of supraventricular tachycardia). During an episode, people may feel palpitations (a racing or pounding heart), dizziness, breathlessness, chest discomfort or, occasionally, faintness. Many people with the extra pathway have no symptoms and it is found by chance on an ECG (heart tracing), which can show a characteristic pattern. While episodes are usually not dangerous, in rare cases WPW can predispose to more serious rhythm problems, which is why it is assessed properly.
How it is treated
Treatment depends on symptoms and risk. Episodes of fast heartbeat can sometimes be stopped with simple manoeuvres or medicines, and for people with troublesome episodes, a procedure called catheter ablation is highly effective — it targets and destroys the extra electrical pathway, often curing the condition. Ablation is also considered for people found to have WPW who are at higher risk (for example some athletes or those in certain occupations) even without many symptoms, after assessment. People with the pattern on an ECG but no symptoms may simply be assessed and monitored. Care is guided by a cardiologist or heart-rhythm specialist. The reassuring message is that WPW is usually very treatable, frequently with a curative procedure.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Learning simple techniques to stop an episode (as advised by a doctor), avoiding known triggers such as excessive stimulants, and attending assessment all help. After a successful ablation, most people need no ongoing treatment.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP about episodes of a sudden fast or pounding heartbeat, especially with dizziness or breathlessness, for assessment. Call 999 for a very fast heartbeat with chest pain, severe breathlessness, or fainting.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome: frequently asked questions
Is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome dangerous?
Episodes of fast heartbeat are usually not dangerous, though they can be unpleasant. Rarely, WPW can predispose to more serious rhythm problems, which is why it is assessed. It is often curable with a catheter procedure.
Can WPW be cured?
Yes, often. A procedure called catheter ablation targets and destroys the extra electrical pathway causing the fast heartbeats, and is highly effective, frequently curing the condition.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Supraventricular tachycardia
- British Heart Foundation guidance
Related conditions
Browse by body system
Building a patient-information or formulary resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free clinical references and decision aids for teams.