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Arrhythmias in dilated cardiomyopathy

Saurabh Kumar1, William G Stevenson1, Roy M John1

  • 1Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics
|May 24, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Dilated cardiomyopathies (DCM) commonly cause heart rhythm problems like conduction defects and atrial fibrillation. This review covers DCM arrhythmias, their causes, and current management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Heart Failure Research

Background:

  • Dilated cardiomyopathies (DCM) are associated with a high incidence of cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Arrhythmias in DCM range from conduction abnormalities to life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
  • These rhythm disturbances significantly impact patient prognosis and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the common arrhythmias observed in patients with dilated cardiomyopathies.
  • To review the underlying electrophysiologic mechanisms of these arrhythmias.
  • To discuss current management approaches for arrhythmias in DCM.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on arrhythmias in dilated cardiomyopathies.
  • Analysis of electrophysiologic principles governing cardiac rhythm in DCM.
  • Synthesis of clinical guidelines and evidence for arrhythmia management.

Main Results:

  • Common arrhythmias include atrioventricular block, left bundle branch block, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular arrhythmias.
  • Ventricular arrhythmias, particularly sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, are associated with adverse outcomes.
  • Sudden cardiac death is a late complication often linked to ventricular arrhythmias.

Conclusions:

  • Arrhythmias are a major clinical challenge in dilated cardiomyopathies.
  • Understanding the electrophysiologic basis is crucial for effective management.
  • Comprehensive management strategies are essential to improve outcomes for DCM patients with arrhythmias.

Keywords:
Atrial fibrillationAtrial flutterAtrioventricular blockCatheter ablationDilated cardiomyopathyLamin A/C cardiomyopathyVentricular tachycardia

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