The heart is controlled by electrical signals that travel from one part of the heart to another through special clusters of cells called nodes. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a congenital heart defect in which abnormal electrical pathways in the heart can change the heart’s rhythm. The cardiology experts at UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute have the expertise and experience to diagnose and treat Kentuckians with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
If you have Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, you have had an extra electrical pathway in your heart, called an accessory pathway, from birth. This pathway interrupts the typical route of electrical signals in a healthy heart and results in an irregular heart rhythm called an arrhythmia. This means your heart rate could be extremely fast, a condition known as tachycardia. Not everyone with this extra pathway has health issues, but Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can lead to other complications.
The symptoms of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can vary. Some people with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome never have symptoms, and others experience symptoms that come and go throughout their lives. Still, other patients can have symptoms that are life-threatening from the onset. When symptoms are present, they often include:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Palpitations, or a fast heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in your chest
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a congenital heart defect, which means people are born with it. While present at birth, the syndrome is rarely inherited. Sometimes, rigorous activity can worsen the complications of the syndrome. If you are diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, it’s important to communicate symptoms to your care team. You should also follow any recommendations they have about ways to stay healthy. Your healthcare provider will know what is right for you and your heart health.
While it is rare, some genes that lead to Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can be inherited. The best ways to reduce complications of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome are:
- Knowing what symptoms to look for
- Proactively monitoring the status of your heart health
- Learning your family history
- Following the care plan determined by your care team
Your first visit to UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute’s Adult Heart Rhythm Program is a time of education and introductions. You meet members of your care team and learn about detecting, treating and living with arrhythmias.
Diagnosing arrhythmias is a unique process that requires detective work. One of the most important steps toward diagnosis is listening to your story. Your team will ask a lot of questions about your symptoms and medical history. The goal is to gather all possible information that can help pinpoint the source of your heart issue. Information from this first meeting helps your team determine the next step in diagnosis.
Based on information from this meeting, your healthcare provider may give you a monitor to wear. This monitor tracks your heart rhythm and allows your team to determine the type of arrhythmia you have. Additionally, your team may prescribe one or more diagnostic tests. If appropriate, these tests take place on a different day, and your team helps schedule them at your convenience.
When coming to your first arrhythmia appointment, plan to do the following:
- Arrive early. You may need to fill out paperwork when you arrive. Getting to your appointment early ensures you have time to complete paperwork without feeling rushed.
- Bring a current list of medicines or supplements you take. You should also list any surgeries you’ve undergone, symptoms you’ve experienced and other past health issues.
- Dress comfortably. Working toward a diagnosis takes time. Comfortable clothes help you remain relaxed and attentive throughout your visit.
- Eat and drink normally. You won’t undergo imaging or other testing at your first visit. Therefore, there are no dietary restrictions.
- Have your insurance information on hand. UK HealthCare accepts most insurers, and financial assistance is available.
- Request a loved one to join you. Bring a family member or friend with you to take notes and ask questions you may not think of asking.
Where we are located
The UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute is located at 800 Rose St. in Pavilion G, on the first floor of UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital. We will mail you a map and directions when your appointment is scheduled.
Patient drop-off
Patients can be dropped off in front of the main entrance to Albert B. Chandler Hospital at 1000 S. Limestone. If you are dropped off at the main entrance, you’ll enter the revolving doors on the ground floor of the hospital. Take the main stairs just to the left (or elevator across the atrium) to the first floor of Pavilion A.
After climbing the stairs or taking the elevator, turn left. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
Parking
It is easiest to park in the UK HealthCare Parking Garage, across from the hospital at 110 Transcript Ave.
There are two paths from this garage to the Gill clinic:
- You may take the free shuttle from Level A of the parking garage. You’ll exit the shuttle at the Pavilion A/ Pavilion G stop in front of the main entrance to the hospital. After climbing the stairs or taking the elevator, turn left. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
- From Level C of the parking garage you may walk or take a golf cart across the pedway to the first floor of Pavilion A. Turn left past the help desk and walk away from the dining hall. You’ll pass the Kentucky Wall and Kentucky Children’s Hospital on your right. Continue to the end of the hall until it comes to a T shape. Turn left and the Gill clinic entrance is across from an open area housing the organ donor wall.
If you need help finding your way, information desks are located inside the main entrances to Pavilion A, both on the ground floor and at the end of the pedway on the first floor. You may also call the information desk at 859-323-5816.
Our Adult Heart Rhythm Program experts help residents of Central Kentucky and beyond regain proper heart rhythm every day. To improve the future of arrhythmia treatment and management, they also participate in clinical trials.
At any given time, UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute staff engages in trials for new medicines or devices. This gives you access to arrhythmia treatment not available at many other facilities.
If you’re a candidate for an ongoing trial, your care team will discuss the possibility with you.
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