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The Heart of the Matter

Understanding the Electrical Conduction Pathway

By Gina Priscella, Shreya Kurella, Nalini V. Broadbelt

The Heart of the Matter


 

Abstract

This case study introduces undergraduate students to Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, a rare but clinically significant congenital cardiac condition characterized by abnormal electrical conduction in the heart. The case centers on a 29-year-old female patient whose symptoms develop progressively, allowing students to apply concepts in real time as the scenario unfolds. Designed for students in human anatomy, physiology, and pre-health science programs, the case promotes active learning through an interrupted case method, where information is revealed in stages to encourage ongoing analysis, discussion, and critical thinking. Students interpret realistic clinical data, including vital signs and electrocardiograms (ECGs), to distinguish between normal and WPW presentations. They also examine the heart’s electrical conduction system, investigate the ionic mechanisms underlying cardiac muscle contraction, and assess treatment options such as procainamide therapy and catheter ablation. By working through this case, students will deepen their understanding of cardiovascular physiology, enhance their ECG interpretation skills, and develop clinical reasoning abilities applicable to patient care settings.

   

Date Posted

10/13/2025

Overview

Objectives

  • Examine the relationship between respiratory rate and heart rate.
  • Compare and contrast the electrical conduction pathway in a normal heart versus one with WPW syndrome.
  • Compare and contrast the ECG patterns of a normal heart and one with WPW.
  • Describe the roles of Na+, K+, and Ca2+ in contraction of cardiac myocytes.
  • Discuss the treatments for WPW syndrome.
  • Describe the mechanism of action of procainamide (PC) and its influence on cardiac contraction.
  • Explore the bioavailability and solubility characteristics of PC.
  • Describe how the ablation procedure alleviates WPW.

Keywords

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome; WPW; heart; arrhythmia; electrocardiograph; ECG; pressure; volume; resistance; muscle contraction; procainamide; PC; ablation; ventricular filling; end-diastolic volume; EDV; end-systolic volume; ESV; stroke volume; heart rate; cardiac output; pre-load

  

Subject Headings

Anatomy
Biology (General)
Chemistry (General)
Medicinal Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Physiology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Interrupted, Directed

 

 

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