Important Announcements

Nondiscrimination Statement Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

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Campus Construction Update

Starting September 14, we’re closing the Menino building lobby entrance. This, along with the ongoing Yawkey building entrance closure, will help us bring you an even better campus experience that matches the exceptional care you've come to expect. Please enter the Menino and Yawkey buildings through the Moakley building, and make sure to leave extra time to get to your appointment. Thank you for your patience. 

Click here to learn more about our campus redesign. 

Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

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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

The Arrhythmia Center diagnoses and treats all types of abnormal or irregular heart rhythms.
Arrhythmia Center