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Warning-sign checks

Wolff Parkinson white syndrome: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if a rapid or irregular heartbeat occurs with:

    • Fainting or loss of consciousness
    • Chest pain or pressure
    • Severe difficulty breathing
    • Confusion, collapse, or extreme weakness
    • Pale, blue, or grey skin
    • Signs of cardiac arrest, such as unresponsiveness and abnormal breathing

    If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call emergency services and begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation if you are able.

    Use an automated external defibrillator if one is available.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical care for a rapid heartbeat that does not settle promptly, is different from previous episodes, or occurs with marked weakness or light-headedness.

    A first sustained episode should also be assessed so the rhythm can be recorded.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have repeated episodes of a sudden racing heartbeat, even if they stop on their own.

    Also arrange follow-up if you have known WPW and your symptoms change, return after ablation, or affect daily activities.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Wolff Parkinson white syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.