WOLFF-PARKINSON-WHITE SYNDROME: IN FORMER HIGH-PERFORMANCE ATHLETE

Abstract

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a rare non-structural heart disease that belongs to the so-called ventricular pre-excitation syndromes characterized by early activation of the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart) due to an additional electrical pathway, this extra pathway, which should not exist, it allows electrical impulses to reach the ventricles earlier than normal, which can cause arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). Treatment can vary, from the use of antiarrhythmic medications to procedures such as catheter ablation, which aims to eliminate the accessory pathway responsible for pre-excitation. It is associated with the development of sudden death, as it can induce the appearance of malignant arrhythmias and its diagnosis can be established by performing an electrocardiogram. If it occurs in people who play sports, with intense physical exercise, it can increase the risk of sudden death. The case of a high-performance former athlete diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White syndrome is described.