Questions posted in the Heart Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: AV nodal reentry tachycardia vs AV reciprocating tachycardia (WPW Syndrome)

Forum: The Heart Forum
Topic: Electrophy


Could you please clarify the difference between AV nodal reentry tachycardia vs AV reciprocating tachycardia with WPW Syndrome when there is a retrograde conductions pathway? Is it that with AV nodal the reentry circuit is confined above the Bundle of His within the atria...and with WPW the reentry circuit extends down into the ventricles in making the reenty circuit?
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Dear KB,


Thank you for your question. You have the basic concept right. Both types have "extra" pathways that form a loop and the AV nodal type is more "compact" with the loop being somewhat larger in WPW. Both connect the atria and the ventricles. WPW may be diagnosed on the surface ECG whereas AV nodal is usually found on EP study. The treatment for them is the same, RF ablation. Hope this helps. Feel free to write back with any additional questions.

Information provided here is for general educational purposes only. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and treatments. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment at Desk F15 with a cardiologist.

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