Causes & Risk Factors Of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Gender

Studies are still ongoing to determine how gender plays a role as a risk factor for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. There does seem to be some differentiation between where the accessory pathway is found. One study conducted on 282 participants found more males than females had a left posterior accessory pathway while more females than males presented with a right annular accessory pathway. More research is necessary to understand why this is the case, but this does suggest a genetic component for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Additionally, it should be noted men are more at risk for experiencing atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat in the heart's upper atria, especially if they are between the ages of thirty and fifty or have a history of syncope.