Louis Wolff

Louis Wolff

Louis Wolff was a prominent American cardiologist known for his contributions to the understanding of cardiac arrhythmias, particularly the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. His work in the early 20th century laid the foundation for modern electrophysiology and the treatment of supraventricular tachycardias.

Early Life and Education

Louis Wolff was born on October 31, 1898, in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended Harvard University, where he completed his undergraduate studies in 1920. He then pursued a medical degree at Harvard Medical School, graduating in 1924. During his time at medical school, Wolff developed a keen interest in cardiology, which would shape his future career.

Career and Contributions

After completing his medical degree, Wolff began his residency at the Massachusetts General Hospital, where he worked under the mentorship of renowned cardiologists. In 1930, he published a seminal paper with John Parkinson and Paul Dudley White, describing a condition characterized by a short PR interval and a delta wave on the electrocardiogram (ECG), which would later be known as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a disorder of the heart's electrical system that can lead to episodes of rapid heart rate (tachycardia). It is caused by an abnormal extra electrical pathway between the atria and the ventricles, known as an accessory pathway. This condition can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, and in some cases, more serious complications like atrial fibrillation.

Wolff's work in identifying and characterizing this syndrome was crucial in advancing the understanding of cardiac arrhythmias. His research provided the basis for the development of diagnostic criteria and treatment options, including catheter ablation, which is now a common procedure for managing WPW syndrome.

Later Life and Legacy

Louis Wolff continued to work in the field of cardiology throughout his career, contributing to numerous studies and publications. He was a respected figure in the medical community and received several awards for his work. Wolff passed away on January 28, 1972, but his legacy lives on through the continued study and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.

Also see

• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Electrophysiology
• Catheter ablation
• Paul Dudley White
• John Parkinson