Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
09:18

Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Published on: January 12, 2019

Prevalence and Characteristics of Cardiac Arrhythmia in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Retrospective, Single-Center

Ryo Sugiyama1, Eri Takeshita1, Yu Aihara1

  • 1Department of Child Neurology, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.

European Journal of Neurology
|June 2, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) is a risk in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients, particularly those with reduced left ventricular function. Regular Holter monitoring is recommended for high-risk individuals to prevent sudden cardiac death.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cardiac complications are a leading cause of death in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
  • Current guidelines recommend arrhythmia screening in DMD patients with left ventricular dysfunction, but evidence is limited.
  • Large cohort studies including adult DMD patients are scarce.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the arrhythmia profiles in a large cohort of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients.
  • To identify factors associated with arrhythmias, particularly nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT).

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 1018 Holter electrocardiographic recordings from 167 DMD patients (aged 9-44 years).
  • Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with NSVT.

Main Results:

  • Bradyarrhythmia and supraventricular tachyarrhythmia were infrequent.
  • Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) was detected in 8.3% of recordings.
  • Reduced left ventricular function was the strongest predictor of NSVT, with increased risk associated with older age and nonuse of ventilation.

Conclusions:

  • NSVT poses a risk for sudden cardiac death in DMD patients with cardiac disease.
  • Regular Holter electrocardiographic monitoring is crucial for identifying high-risk patients.
  • Further research is needed to refine screening protocols for cardiac arrhythmias in DMD.
Abstract

Keywords:
Duchenne muscular dystrophyambulatory electrocardiographyleft ventricular dysfunctionventricular premature complexventricular tachycardia

More Related Videos

Home-Based Monitor for Gait and Activity Analysis07:24

Home-Based Monitor for Gait and Activity Analysis

Published on: August 8, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias01:30

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...
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...
Pulse rhythm01:30

Pulse rhythm

Pulse rhythm refers to the pattern of pulsations within specific intervals, offering valuable insights into the regularity or irregularity of the heart's beats as observed through the pattern of pulsation within specific intervals. A regular pulse exhibits a consistent heart rate with uniform waveforms and pulsation force, variations of which can be classified as normal, weak, or bounding.
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac muscle...
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.
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,...
Holter Monitor: 24-Hour Monitoring01:23

Holter Monitor: 24-Hour Monitoring

Holter monitoring is a continuous electrocardiography (ECG) recording that tracks the heart's electrical activity over an extended period, generally 24 to 48 hours. This noninvasive diagnostic tool detects irregular heart rhythms that may not be captured during a standard ECG performed in a clinical setting.DeviceThe Holter monitor is a portable, small device connected to several electrodes on the patient's chest. These electrodes detect the heart's electrical signals and transmit them to the...