Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD/C) is also know as Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC). It is one of the leading causes of death among young sportspersons. However, it can affect people of any age & any level of activity.

It is rare condition that occurs when the muscle tissue in the right ventricle is damaged & gets replaced by scar tissue. This results in disruption of heart's electrical signals & arrhythmias. It often remains undiagnosed for years as symptoms may not be noticeable. It can lead to complications like heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest.

There are 3 stages of ARVD:

Concealed Stage: In this stage, the patient experiences no symptoms but may notice rapid heartbeat while strenuous exercise. However, the tests may not reveal any abnormality in this stage.

Electrical Stage: This stage presents a greater risk of ventricular arrhythmias & sudden cardiac arrest. An electrocardiogram can reveal issues in heart rhythm.

Structural Stage: This stage poses the highest risk of sudden cardiac death. Imaging tests reveal changes in the structure of the heart.

Nearly 60% of the cases of ARVD occur in patients with a family history. Apart from genes, there are other factors like congenital abnormalities and viral or inflammatory myocarditis which may cause ARVD.

Common symptoms may include:

Irregular heart beat

Pain or discomfort in chest

Breathlessness

Fainting spells

Dizziness

Swelling in abdomen, legs, ankles or feet

Palpitations

Men are more often affected by this condition as compared to women. And symptoms may develop between 20 to 50 years of age.

Your cardiologist may diagnose ARVD based on your medical history, physical exam & diagnostic tests. Some of the recommended tests Include:

Electrocardiogram

Transthoracic Echocardiogram

Holter Monitor

Angiogram

Electrophysiology testing

Cardiac MRI

Cardiac CT

Biaopsy

There is no cure for ARVD. The goal of treatment is to control the ventricular arrhythmias, prevent blood clots & manage the heart failure.

Treatments include:

Antiarrhythmic medications to prevent sustained ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death

Diuretics or beta blockers to ease the pressure on heart

Anticoagulants to prevent blood clots

Radiofrquency catheter ablation if ventricular arrhythmia does not improve with medications

Implantable Cardioverter defibrillator for patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest

Heart Transplant if all other treatments fail

Limit alcohol intake

Avoid tobacco

Eat healthy

Limit caffeine

Maintain your ideal body weight

Limit strenuous physical activity