Wolff-Parkinson-White in the Family Tree

  My son had asymptomatic WPW.  It was corrected via ablation after a severe attack.
  Since WPW is hereditary, how much of my family should be tested for WPW?
  Can a person be a "carrier" of the WPW gene but not have WPW?
  Should my sisters and their kids be tested also?
  How many generations can it skip?
  Thanks in advance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear George
There is no WPW gene yet identified. WPW is almost certainly congenital ("born with it"), though it can sometimes only cause trouble later in life. First-degree relatives of patients with WPW are at increased risk of the disease themselves. It would be reasonable for all close relatives to be screened for the disease by their doctors with an EKG.
I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature.  Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor.  If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.