What is the life expectancy of a patient with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD)?

From the Guidelines

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD) patients can have a near-normal life expectancy with proper management, including implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation, optimal medical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. The management of ARVD is crucial in preventing sudden cardiac death, and according to the acc/aha/esc 2006 guidelines 1, ICD implantation can be effective for the prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with ARVC with extensive disease. Key factors that influence life expectancy include the extent of disease, presence of symptoms such as syncope, and family history of SCD.

Management Strategies

• ICD implantation is recommended for patients with extensive disease, including those with left ventricular involvement, a family history of SCD, or undiagnosed syncope 1.
• Optimal medical therapy, including beta-blockers and antiarrhythmic medications like amiodarone or sotalol, is essential for managing arrhythmias and preventing SCD 1.
• Lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding competitive sports and strenuous exercise, are crucial in reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death.
• Regular cardiology follow-ups with imaging and rhythm monitoring are essential for monitoring disease progression and adjusting treatment as needed.

Disease Progression

• The disease is progressive, but the rate varies widely between individuals, with some experiencing minimal progression over decades while others develop heart failure requiring heart transplantation.
• Genetic testing and family screening are important as ARVD is often hereditary, allowing for earlier intervention in affected family members.
• Ablation can be useful as adjunctive therapy in the management of patients with ARVC with recurrent VT, despite optimal antiarrhythmic drug therapy 1.

From the Research

ARVD Life Expectancy

• The life expectancy of patients with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD) can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment 2.
• A study published in 2005 found that the median survival in a cohort of 100 ARVD patients was 60 years 2.
• Another study published in 2012 found that patients with ARVD who received implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation had a favorable long-term prognosis, with a low rate of sudden cardiac death 3.
• The use of anti-arrhythmic medications, such as beta-blockers, can also help reduce the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and improve life expectancy in patients with ARVD 4.
• A study published in 2013 found that securing an accurate diagnosis and providing appropriate treatment, including ICD placement and anti-arrhythmic medications, can help prevent sudden cardiac death and improve life expectancy in patients with ARVD 5.

Factors Affecting Life Expectancy

• The severity of the disease, including the extent of right ventricular dysfunction and the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias, can affect life expectancy in patients with ARVD 2.
• The effectiveness of treatment, including the use of ICDs and anti-arrhythmic medications, can also impact life expectancy 5, 4, 3.
• Genetic factors, including the presence of familial ARVD, can also play a role in determining life expectancy 5, 2.

Treatment and Management

• ICD placement is a common treatment for patients with ARVD, particularly those with a history of sustained ventricular tachycardia or arrhythmogenic syncope 6, 5, 3.
• Anti-arrhythmic medications, such as beta-blockers and sotalol, can help reduce the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias and improve life expectancy in patients with ARVD 5, 4.
• Catheter ablation and epicardial ablation are also used to treat ventricular arrhythmias in patients with ARVD 5.