Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC)
A rare type of cardiomyopathy, when part of the muscle of the right ventricle is replaced by fat, which can lead to heart failure and heart rhythm disorders.
What is ARVC?
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a heart condition that can lead to a weakening of the heart muscle of the right ventricle. It is predominantly a genetic condition, although it can also develop in people naturally.
AVRC occurs because cells in the heart muscle don’t develop properly, causing the right ventricle of the heart’s muscle is replaced by fat and/or fibrous tissue. This results is the right ventricle becoming thin and stretched, preventing blood from pumping from the heart to elsewhere in the body as it should. The cause is variable and unpredictable but it can lead to shortness of breath, abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure and in some cases cardiac arrest.
Need to know
Many people with ARVC can experience no symptoms for a long time, although they can develop and become worse over the time.
These symptoms might include:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations with unpleasant awareness of the heartbeat
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath when lying down or during physical exertion
- Swelling in the legs and other areas
Unfortunately, in some cases patients may not have any symptoms at all before experiencing heart failure or a cardiac arrest. Therefore, if you have a relative with ARVC it may be beneficial to have a consultation.
If your consultant thinks you might you have ARVC, there are a number of tests available. A Holter monitor is the main way to detect heart rhythm problems.
Other tests include:
- an electrocardiogram (ECG)
- an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart)
- exercise ECG testing to evaluate your heart's rhythm during physical exertion
- cardiac MRI to provide detailed images of your heart's structure
- angiography to analyse your heart's vessels
- an electrophysiology study to carry out further analysis of heart rhythm
With world-class cardiac facilities, we're able to offer effective treatments for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. If you're diagnosed with ARVC, your cardiology consultant will discuss your treatment options with you. These might include:
- blood thinners to prevent blood clots
- catheter ablation
- having an implantable cardioverter defibrillator fitted
- medicines to control your heart's beats and rhythms
- medicines to help stop abnormal heart rhythms
- pills to reduce fluid retention
- medicines to reduce your heart's workload
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.