WPW and sports clearance

[Klarsen316]

My son, who is 18, has been diagnosed with WPW recently.  He is headed for college this fall and is supposed to play football and run track there.  So far he has not been cleared to play as we are in the early stages of the diagnosis.  Can anyone tell me if the doctors typically won't clear for playing in sports or is there a possibility that he will still be allowed to participate?  He is pretty upset at this point and just wants to know what he can expect.  We are going Monday to see the cardiologist that handles the "electricity" portion of the heart.

[waiakea]

Today, 10/6/2013, it is the anniversary of my beloved son who died from wpw during college swimming meet.  Like all parents, sport is our sons and daughters's best interest and parent should do whatever to support them.

You are so lucky, the doctor does not release your son.  My son's doctor did that, my son died. Please and please do not let your son to do sports for few years.  WPW will stop when heart is treated.

There are two kind of WPW, one kind causes sudden death.

Please give your son a big hug for me.  I miss my son too much.

Love,

Bob

[Klarsen316]

What is A fib?  Is this common to have this follow WPW?  I already told my son to stay away from caffine and carbonated soda as I read that this could trigger an attack.  We go to see our electrophysiologist on Monday, but this will be the first visit and I am sure there is more testing that will need to take place for my son and that too will delay the paperwork back to the college for sports most likely.  I think we will be fine with it if they say he can't play sports, he won't be though.  

[Chriswpw]

Hi I'm 30 and was dxd with wpw in Jan 08 after being rushed to the hospital with a hr of 314. Very scared.......the docs told me that my best bet was to have ablation so I had a specialist come from Mass General in Boston to perform the ablation. The docs cleared me to return to my normal lifestyle, working out etc. Since then I have had continuous palpitations and just last week was once again rushed to the hospital with hr in the 200's. Now they tell me I have A fib. Now even more worried than before. I was given 50 mg of Meteprolol to take daily and told to stay away from caffine and alchahol. I am still waiting for a follow up....every case is different but please make sure you get your research and ask questions. Good Luck!!

[PikaPika88]

I meet many of the wpw patients in the wpw group.   Most of us can play sport and do what we want (on medication).  Well, not as normal as NORMAL people.  I got a lot of palpitations during the basketball plays.  Doctor didn't stop me but he put me into the hospital and stayed for several days after the plays at school.  Now I'm 50 years old.  The doctors (few specialists) order me must have exercised or at least 45 minutes power walk per day.   My first palpitation found in 6 years old.  Diagnosed wpw and medicated at 15 years old.

It is important that your son should wait for the OK from the electrophysiologist.  Wpw also has some differences in condition.   Some are anterograde, some are retrograde conduction.  Some have one accessory pathway, some have many accessory pathways.  It also depends on the location of each accessory pathway.  Sometime, it might be mixed up with Brugada variant or other dangerous rhythms.  All these can be found out with the EP study.  Follow the EP advises.  Take care and good luck.

[Momto3]

The electrophysiologist will be able to determine what is in your son's best interests.  Tell him to hang in there and take it one step at a time.  If he is cleared to play, discuss any potential risks with the doctor.  If he is not cleared, it is absolutely in his best interest to follow doctor's orders.  

There are a few people on the forum who have dealt with WPW and they might be able to offer some suggestions, help.  Try conducting a search for WPW by using the "people" link at the top of the page.  Hopefully, you can connect with other members who can give you a better idea of what to expect.

Good luck to your son as he embarks on his college career!