Which are the two most common dysrhythmias associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is characterized by the presence of an accessory pathway that allows for rapid conduction of electrical impulses, which can lead to various types of supraventricular tachycardias. The two most common dysrhythmias associated with this condition are atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

Atrial fibrillation can occur in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome due to the rapid electrical impulses being conducted via both the normal AV node and the accessory pathway, creating a reentrant circuit. This can lead to the chaotic electrical activity seen in atrial fibrillation, which may result in rapid ventricular rates and associated symptoms.

Supraventricular tachycardia is particularly common in this syndrome as it often arises from the reentry circuit involving the accessory pathway. The unique conduction pathway creates a scenario where rapid heart rates can occur, leading to symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or syncope.

Both atrial fibrillation and SVT are thus prevalent in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome due to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the accessory conduction pathway, which predisposes these individuals to these specific dysrhythmias.