Zekeriyah’s Journey: A Mended Heart

What is Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome?

For most kids, running and playing are second nature. For Zekeriyah, they were a constant source of danger. Diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW) as a baby, he lived with an extra electrical pathway in his heart that caused episodes of rapid heart rate, or tachycardia. Even simple activities could leave him gasping for air, his lips turning blue as his heart raced out of control.

WPW wasn’t his only challenge. Zekeriyah was also diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) and AVNRT, conditions that threw off his heart’s rhythm. This meant a childhood filled with physical restrictions, terrifying episodes, and moments of uncertainty.

That’s where Texas Children’s Hospital stepped in. From his diagnosis, the dedicated team at the Heart Center became a source of hope and stability for Zekeriyah and his family. Working tirelessly to manage his condition.

The surgery that changed everything

For years, Zekeriyah’s life revolved around managing his condition. Regular cardiology visits, electrophysiology studies, and sleep studies became routine, but his heart condition continued to limit his ability to live like other kids. By the time he was nine, it was clear that surgery was the next step.

Fortunately, he was in the capable hands of Christina Miyake, MD, MS, Director of the Genetics Arrhythmia Program, and the expert cardiac team at Texas Children’s. So after he'd reached the appropriate age and weight — and after the global pandemic had passed — Dr. Miyake performed Zekeriyah's ablation, correcting the extra electrical pathway causing his rapid heart rate.The surgery was a success, and the impact was immediate.

“They always spoke to him directly, not around him," said his mother, Debraeyia. "They empowered him to understand his condition and be part of his care plan."

The ablation did more than stop his heart from racing. For the first time, Zekeriyah could keep up with his brothers without fear. Finally free to be a kid.