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Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Condition

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a form of heart disease that typically emerges in adulthood, causing the heart's muscular wall to break down and increasing the risk of abnormal heartbeats and sudden death.

Overview

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a form of heart disease that usually appears in adulthood. ARVC is a disorder of the myocardium, which is the muscular wall of the heart. This condition causes part of the myocardium to break down over time, increasing the risk of an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) and sudden death.

ARVC occurs in an estimated 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,250 people. This disorder may be underdiagnosed because it can be difficult to detect in people with mild or no symptoms.

Symptoms

ARVC may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. However, affected individuals may still be at risk of sudden death, especially during strenuous exercise. When symptoms occur, they most commonly include a sensation of fluttering or pounding in the chest (palpitations), light-headedness, and fainting (syncope). Over time, ARVC can also cause shortness of breath and abnormal swelling in the legs or abdomen. If the myocardium becomes severely damaged in the later stages of the disease, it can lead to heart failure.

Causes

ARVC can result from mutations in at least 13 genes. Many of these genes are known as desmosomal genes because they provide instructions for making components of cell structures called desmosomes. Desmosomes attach heart muscle cells to one another, providing strength to the myocardium and playing a role in signaling between neighboring cells.

Mutations in desmosomal genes impair the function of desmosomes. Without normal desmosomes, cells of the myocardium detach from one another and die, particularly when the heart muscle is placed under stress (such as during vigorous exercise). These changes primarily affect the myocardium surrounding the right ventricle, one of the two lower chambers of the heart. The damaged myocardium is gradually replaced by fat and scar tissue. As this abnormal tissue builds up, the walls of the right ventricle become stretched out, preventing the heart from pumping blood effectively. These changes also disrupt the electrical signals that control the heartbeat, which can lead to arrhythmia.

Less commonly, mutations in non-desmosomal genes can cause ARVC. These genes have a variety of functions, including cell signaling, providing structure and stability to heart muscle cells, and helping to maintain a normal heart rhythm. Researchers are working to determine how mutations in non-desmosomal genes can lead to ARVC.

Gene mutations have been found in about 60 percent of people with ARVC. Mutations in a desmosomal gene called PKP2 appear to be most common. In people without an identified mutation, the cause of the disorder is unknown. Researchers are looking for additional genetic factors that play a role in causing ARVC.

Associated Genes

  • DES
  • DSC2
  • DSP
  • JUP
  • LMNA
  • PKP2
  • RYR2
  • TGFB3
  • TTN

Additional Information from NCBI Gene:

  • CTNNA3
  • DSG2
  • PLN
  • TMEM43

Inheritance

Up to half of all cases of ARVC appear to run in families. Most familial cases of the disease have an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, which means one copy of an altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder.

Rarely, ARVC has an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance, which means both copies of a gene in each cell have mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition.

Other Names for This Condition

  • Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy-dysplasia
  • Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia
  • Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy
  • ARVC
  • ARVD
  • ARVD/C
  • Right ventricular dysplasia, arrhythmogenic
  • Ventricular dysplasia, right, arrhythmogenic

Frequently Asked Questions

Palpitations that are triggered or worsened by vigorous exercise, accompanied by light‑headedness, fainting, or a family history of sudden cardiac death, should raise concern. An ECG showing epsilon waves, T‑wave inversions in right precordial leads, or a prolonged QRS can suggest ARVC. If these findings are present, a cardiologist will likely pursue further imaging.
Key tests include a 12‑lead ECG, a 24‑ to 48‑hour Holter monitor, transthoracic echocardiography, and cardiac MRI to assess right ventricular size and function. Genetic testing for desmosomal gene mutations (e.g., PKP2, DSP) can confirm a hereditary basis and guide family screening.
Obtain a clearance from a cardiologist who has evaluated your ECG, echocardiogram, and possibly cardiac MRI. Avoid high‑intensity, competitive sports if you have confirmed ARVC, and consider wearing a medical alert bracelet. If an implantable cardioverter‑defibrillator (ICD) is recommended, follow the device’s activity guidelines closely.
Medication options include beta‑blockers or anti‑arrhythmic drugs such as amiodarone. An ICD is the most effective preventive measure for high‑risk patients. Catheter ablation may be considered for recurrent arrhythmias. Lifestyle modifications—avoiding intense exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing electrolyte balance—also contribute to risk reduction.===
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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