A global perspective of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

Mohamed Elmaghawry, Mohammed Alhashemi1, Alessandro Zorzi2

  • 1Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.

Insights

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited heart condition causing arrhythmias and sudden death. Global registries show ARVC affects all populations, not just those in the Mediterranean region.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Genetics
  • Inherited Diseases

Background:

  • Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a progressive inherited heart disease.
  • It is characterized by ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, particularly in young individuals.
  • Historically, ARVC was linked to the Mediterranean basin due to early research origins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the global perspective of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.
  • To highlight the worldwide prevalence and distribution of ARVC.
  • To challenge the traditional geographical association of ARVC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of global ARVC registries.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data on ARVC prevalence.
  • Synthesis of current research on ARVC distribution.

Main Results:

  • ARVC registries worldwide indicate the disease is not limited to specific racial or geographical groups.
  • Evidence suggests a global distribution of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.
  • The traditional association with the Mediterranean basin is not supported by current global data.

Conclusions:

  • Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy is a global health concern.
  • ARVC does not exhibit specific racial or geographical predilections.
  • A worldwide perspective is crucial for understanding and managing ARVC.

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
826
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
952
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
805
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
790
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias01:28

Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.
2.7K
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
1.2K