Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is a rare type of cardiomyopathy. It occurs when the muscle tissue in the right ventricle dies and is replaced with scar tissue. This disrupts the heart's electrical signals and causes arrhythmias. Symptoms include palpitations and fainting after physical activity. Palpitations are feelings that your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering or beating too hard or too fast.

ARVD usually affects teens or young adults. It can cause sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in young athletes.

Other Names for ARVD

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Right ventricular dysplasia

What Causes ARVD

Researchers believe that ARVD is an inherited disease.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisors.

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Last Reviewed: May 4, 2022