Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW) Many patients with WPW syndrome are otherwise healthy and often quite young when this arrhythmia is diagnosed. This type of arrhythmia involves an extra electrical pathway from the atria to the ventricles. Known as the "accessory pathway," electrical impulses may be transmitted rapidly via this pathway and the rapid rhythm sometimes can be dangerous. Other times, the pathway allows a circuit to form leading to a rapid arrhythmia. The most common symptoms people experience with WPW syndrome are palpitations, dizziness, and chest discomfort. Some people with WPW do not have arrhythmias.