Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW)
Higher Risk
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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High Risk ECG Flag
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Having a high risk flag means the pediatric cardiologist reading the ECG sees an abnormality suggesting a condition that has a higher likelihood of leading to Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
If you or your child have received a high risk flag, you should schedule an appointment with a pediatric cardiologist as soon as possible.
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It is recommended by the WWPF Medical Advisory Team that anyone flagged high risk under the WWPF guidelines should be removed from all physical activity and be seen by a pediatric cardiologist as soon as possible.
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If there was a high risk flag on an ECG, the person should see a pediatric cardiologist right away, but if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms it 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 Syndrome (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 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 to determine your child's continued participation in sports and activities.
Diagnosis:
QRS: Slurring of QRS and short PR interval (less than 120ms)
Family History: Review family history
Consult: Electrophysiologist or Pediatric Cardiologist
Secondary Test Might Include:
Echocardiogram
Stress Test
EP Study
Your child should not participate in sports or other activities in any way until you seek the advice of an Electrophysiologist or Cardiologist for a more detailed examination to determine your child’s continued sports participation.
Follow Up Care By State
Get Involved
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Social Advocacy
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Heart Screenings
An ECG is one of the only ways to catch a life-threatening heart defect before SCA occurs. Have you been screened?
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AED Placement Programs
AEDs assist in life-saving, time-sensitive measures that must be taken when a person has a SCA event. Make sure your community has an AED.
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Physicians
The physicians involved in WWPF help us to read ECGs from our participants and host ECGs in their offices.
