Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome occurs when the heart beats too quickly. Normally, the heart beats in a coordinated way between 60 and 100 times per minute. The heart rate of a patient with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can approach 240 beats per minute for a short period of time.

#### 1. What are the symptoms?

Some people with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome never have symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they typically first surface between the ages of 11 and 50 and can include: palpitations, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, fatigue, angina, and/or syncope.

#### 2. What causes Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome?

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is caused by an abnormal extra pathway in the heart. It occurs only in people who are born with this abnormal pathway.

#### 3. How is Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome diagnosed?

Those suspected to have Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome will be referred to an electrophysiologist. At Boston Medical Center, skilled electrophysiologists use several different tests to help diagnose this, including:

- *Electrocardiogram.* This device tracks and graphs heart rhythm using electrical signals from the heart.
- *Holter monitor.* This device monitors and records the heart rhythm continuously for 24-48 hours.
- *Event recorder.* An event recorder is activated during episodes of fibrillation and records the heart rhythm at that time.

#### 4. How is Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome treated?

When Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome causes frequent and sustained symptoms, a cardiologist may recommend treatment, such as:

**Medical therapy.** Physicians may use medications to treat Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Common medications for suppressing Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome include beta-blockers and a category of drugs referred to as anti-arrhythmic agents.

**Radiofrequency catheter ablation.** During ablation, a catheter with an electrode tip is positioned on a small area of heart tissue. The catheter delivers a burst of radiofrequency energy to destroy this tissue, which blocks the extra abnormal pathway.



 

 ## Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

  department###  [Arrhythmia Center](/departments/cardiovascular-center/arrhythmia-center) 

 A center within the Cardiovascular Center providing diagnosis and treatment for cardiac arrhythmias, including evaluation, monitoring, and procedures to manage abnormal heart rhyt…