Wolff Parkinson White syndrome & Verapamil

[cynthiaG]

interesting...
I know I have Wolff Parkinson White symdrome (left bundle branch block..I remember years ago a cardiologist told me this)...anyway, I was on a website reading about Verapamil and there was a contraindication with it with Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome..it said "may accelerate arrythmia via accessory path"....I'm asking my doctor about this when he calls back

[Burton Borrok]

Re: Wolff Parkinson White syndrome & Verapamil

Hi again Cynthia,
Here is what the American Heart Association has to say about the Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome.

http://www.americanheart.org/present...dentifier=4785

I can understand how this syndrome might be diagnosed in a non-HCM patient, but since this is a common part of HCM, how can they tell the difference? Was WPW diagnosed by a cardiologist that was aware you were an HCM sufferer? Did he know the ramifications of HCM? Sounds quite suspicious – at least to me.
Burt

[Toogoofy317]

Re: Wolff Parkinson White syndrome & Verapamil

I was told one of the defining features of WPW is a delta wave in your EKG. Don't remember off of the top of my head but I think it is in ST part of the EKG.

Mary S.

[cynthiaG]

Re: Wolff Parkinson White syndrome & Verapamil

yes, my previous cardiologist did know I had HCM...he was the one who originally told me..that's when I found out I had HCM. I remember him telling me that I had a left bundle branch block and he explained what that was and what it was called. I'm still going to ask Dr. M. about what I read about this

[Reenie]

Re: Wolff Parkinson White syndrome & Verapamil

Left bundle branch block and WPW aren't the same thing. WPW is a bridge of tissue (I think) that conducts electricity down the wrong pathways. It's a separate syndrome. I'm not saying you can't have WPW and HCM but one doesn't go with the other. WPW DOES have a stamp on an EKG and it can be "cured" with radio frequency ablation. My cousin's daughter has WPW and will probably have the surgery to take care of it sometime in the somewhat near future. She's just turned 9. She's known about it since she was an infant and has been on meds (don't know which ones) since. Also had a heart monitor that used to beep a lot when she was a baby. Hope this information helps.

Reenie