Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is the presence of an extra, or accessory, abnormal electrical pathway in the heart. This additional pathway creates periods of very rapid heartbeats, called supraventricular tachycardia. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome usually is present from birth, though symptoms may not occur until the teenage or young adult years. The condition is not life-threatening in most cases. The presence of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome does not necessarily mean other heart conditions will arise, but the possibility of serious heart problems cannot be ruled out. Treatments are available to reduce or stop episodes of tachycardia. Ablation is a simple, catheter-based procedure that can permanently correct the symptoms of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

Why UAB

UAB Heart & Vascular Services delivers optimal patient care for heart rhythm disorders. You will be cared for by regional and world leaders in the treatment of heart arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia, and other heart rhythm abnormalities.

Our physicians evaluate the newest treatments and technologies and author professional publications that advance the field of arrhythmia treatment. Their extensive experience and academic backgrounds ensure that they are familiar with all types of heart rhythm disorders. Our academic medical center performs more than 600 heart rhythm-related procedures each year, and our success in treating all types of complex arrhythmias is well-documented. Our electrophysiologists have access to the UAB Heart and Vascular Center, one of the largest of its kind in the Southeast. It features the most advanced technology available, including four procedural suites dedicated to electrophysiology (the electrical signals in the heart). At UAB Medicine you are part of a program that carries out pioneering work in atrial fibrillation and advanced pacemaker and cardioverter defibrillator design.

Images and Videos

Take a video tour of the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic at Acton Road.

UAB electrophysiologists cure patient's Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome arrhythmia.

Understand the risk factors and symptoms of heart arrhythmias, and when it is important for you to see a doctor.

PHYSICIANS

William Randolph Maddox
William Randolph Maddox
Tom McElderry, MD
Tom McElderry, MD
Vance J. Plumb, MD
Vance J. Plumb, MD

Related Conditions

Listed below are some conditions that may be related to or share some similarities with the condition addressed on this page.

RELATED SERVICES

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of wolff-parkinson-white syndrome. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.

View Clinical Trials