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Present understanding of the relationship between exercise and arrhythmogenic right ventricular
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
Insights
Exercise can worsen arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C), an inherited heart condition. Patients with ARVD/C should avoid competitive sports and limit physical activity to reduce risks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) is an inherited heart disease.
- It involves fibrofatty myocardial replacement, leading to arrhythmias and sudden death.
- A connection between exercise and ARVD/C has long been observed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence linking exercise to ARVD/C development and outcomes.
- To inform clinical recommendations for patients with ARVD/C regarding physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiologic data.
- Analysis of basic science research.
- Evaluation of clinical research findings.
Main Results:
- Substantial evidence supports a link between exercise and ARVD/C.
- Exercise appears to influence disease progression and patient outcomes.
- Data indicate exercise exacerbates ARVD/C pathology.
Conclusions:
- Patients diagnosed with ARVD/C should avoid competitive athletic activities.
- Limiting physical exercise is strongly advised for individuals with ARVD/C.
Abstract:
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) is an inherited cardiomyopathy that is characterized clinically by ventricular arrhythmias and an increased risk of sudden death and pathologically by fibrofatty replacement of the myocardium. Soon after the initial description of the disease, investigators and clinicians caring for patients with ARVD/C recognized a link between exercise and ARVD/C. In this article, we review the considerable body of epidemiologic data, basic research, and clinical research supporting the link between exercise and the development and outcomes of ARVD/C. Based on these data, we now advise that patients with ARVD/C avoid participation in competitive athletics and limit exercise as much as possible.
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