An article was posted was posted earlier today on the future of Dan Hardy in the UFC and in combat sports. Please check out the full article if you’re interested. In a nutshell the CSAC failed Dan on a physical and discovered that he has Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW). Dan’s not getting surgery, feels fine and wants to keep fighting for another year or so. The information in this article is purely for entertainment value and is not intended to diagnose, treat or replace the advice of a qualified medical professional.
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a condition in which episodes of fast heart rate occur because of an abnormal extra electrical pathway in the heart. People with WPW may experience palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting, although some people with WPW have no symptoms. Treatments are available and the long-term outcome is excellent.
SYMPTOMS:
Patients with WPW pathway may never experience tachycardia or any other symptoms. If symptoms do occur it’s related to the development of an irregular heart rhythm and a rapid heart rate. Tachycardic patients may have palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or rarely, sudden death.
TREATMENT:
Most people with the WPW pattern on ECG who do not experience tachycardia do not need treatment. Patients with WPW syndrome require treatment when/if they have tachycardia due to the serious potential risks. Treatment focuses on stopping the tachycardia and preventing it from recurring.
There are three major options for preventing recurrence of the tachycardia: radiofrequency ablation, medications, and surgery. Radiofrequency ablation is performed in a hospital electrophysiology lab, similar to electrophysiology testing. Radiofrequency ablation is less invasive that surgery and is more commonly used. Medications can also be used prevent recurrences of the tachycardia in some patients.
Whatever Dan decides I wish him the best and hope that he’s able to continue to live as he sees fit. He’s given us everything he has in the octagon. Good luck and you’ll always have our support!
