What Is Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD)?

What Is Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD)?

(Also called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy)

ARVD is a rare form of cardiomyopathy in which the heart muscle of the right ventricle (RV) is replaced by fat and/or fibrous tissue. The right ventricle is dilated and contracts poorly. As a result, the ability of the heart to pump blood is usually weakened. Patients with ARVD often have arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), which can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest or death.