What Is ARVD? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer: What is ARVD?
ARVD (arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, or ARVC) is a rare inherited heart condition in which fat and scar tissue replace the right ventricle's muscle, causing poor pumping and dangerous irregular heartbeats. [1] It is usually diagnosed between ages 20 and 40. [1] Treatment includes medicines, an implantable defibrillator and ablation, with a good outlook when caught early. [1]
Key Takeaways
ARVD is a rare genetic condition (about 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 5,000 people) in which fat and scar tissue replace right-ventricle heart muscle. [1]
The scar tissue disrupts heartbeat signals, raising the risk of dangerous arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest — it is the second most common cause of sudden cardiac death in people under 35. [1]
Variants in at least 13 genes can cause it; a family history is present in up to half of cases. [1]
Symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs or belly. [1]
While there is no cure, treatment — medications, an ICD, catheter ablation, cardioversion, and activity limits — leads to a good long-term outlook with early diagnosis. [1]
What the research says
People with definite ARVD face a high yearly risk of dangerous heart rhythms. A systematic review of 45 studies found that sustained ventricular arrhythmias, appropriate defibrillator therapy, or sudden cardiac death occurred at an average of 10.6% per year in people with definite ARVC, 10.0% per year with borderline ARVC, and 3.7% per year in gene carriers; male sex, fainting, right ventricle dysfunction, and earlier ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation were consistent predictors (Bosman et al., Heart Rhythm, 2018) [4].
Close relatives are often affected, which is why family screening matters. Pooling 1,359 relatives from 13 cohorts, about 25% (95% CI 15–35%) met the Task Force diagnostic criteria for ARVC, and 18% (95% CI 13–23%) of gene-positive relatives (n=597) had sustained ventricular arrhythmias (Sharma et al., Circ Genom Precis Med, 2022) [5].
The upper chambers can be involved too. Across 16 cohort studies with 1,986 people with ARVC, the pooled prevalence of atrial arrhythmia was 17.9% (95% CI 13.0–24.0%), including atrial fibrillation in 12.9% (Rujirachun et al., J Cardiovasc Med, 2020) [6].
What Is ARVD?
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) — more formally called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) — is a rare genetic condition that affects your heart. [1] In ARVD, fat and/or fibrous (scar) tissue replaces damaged heart muscle in your right ventricle. That heart chamber stretches out, becomes thin, and contracts poorly. [1] As a result, your heart cannot pump blood as well, which can make it hard to breathe and may make you faint or feel your heart flutter. [1]
The fat or fibrous tissues can also get in the way of heartbeat signals and cause abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). [1] This increases your risk of sudden cardiac arrest or death, which is why medications or procedures may be needed to help you avoid them. [1]
What Are the Other Names for ARVD?
ARVD has several other names, including arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and right ventricular dysplasia. [1] Because the condition can also affect your left ventricle, it is often called arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). [1] Understanding the names helps when researching, since medical literature and insurance documents may use any of them.
How Common Is ARVD?
ARVD occurs in about 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 5,000 people. [1] It often runs in families, but it can also happen with no family history at all. [1]
What Are the Symptoms of ARVD?
You may not have ARVD symptoms early on. [1] Symptoms may start before age 40 or as early as your teens — but there is still a risk of sudden cardiac death even without warning signs, and sudden cardiac arrest can be the first sign of the condition. [1] This is because many people with ARVD have irregular heart rhythms that start in their ventricles (ventricular arrhythmias). [1]
Symptom | What It Looks or Feels Like |
Heart palpitations [1] | Fluttering in your chest |
Supraventricular arrhythmias [1] | Irregular rhythms above the ventricles, most often atrial fibrillation [6] |
Dizziness or lightheadedness [1] | Feeling unsteady or "off" |
Fainting [1] | Passing out, sometimes without warning |
Fatigue [1] | Ongoing tiredness |
Chest pain [1] | Discomfort in the chest |
Shortness of breath [1] | Difficulty breathing, especially with exertion |
Swelling [1] | In your legs, ankles, feet, or belly |
Heart failure [1] | The heart cannot pump blood effectively |
What Causes ARVD?
A genetic variant often causes ARVD. [1] Experts have found at least 13 genes with variants that cause this condition. [1]
These abnormal genes harm the proteins that help heart muscle cells connect to each other and communicate. [1] Because of this, heart muscle cells in your right ventricle can separate and die — a process that can happen more often during times of stress or exertion. [1]
A family history of ARVD is present in up to 1 out of 2 cases. [1] Because of this, a healthcare provider should check all first- and second-degree family members (parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nephews, and nieces) of someone who has ARVD. [1] Relatives who are teens or older should see a provider even if they do not have symptoms. [1]
How ARVD Is Inherited
Inheritance Pattern | What It Means |
Autosomal dominant | One parent has the genetic variant, and their children have a 50% chance of inheriting the condition. Symptoms and age of onset can differ between family members. [1] |
Autosomal recessive | A less common pattern in which both parents carry the variant but have no symptoms. One form, Naxos disease, may cause thick skin on the palms and soles and thick, "wool-like" hair. [1] |
Who Is at Risk for ARVD?
Healthcare providers usually see this condition in teens or young adults, and ARVD is typically diagnosed in people between age 20 and 40. [1] It happens more often in males, and it is the reason some young athletes experience sudden cardiac arrest. [1]
The best way to lower your risk if a relative has the condition is to get screened early. [1] Noninvasive tests can reveal whether you are at risk of abnormal heart rhythms, and if you are, your provider can build a treatment plan with you. [1]
How Is ARVD Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider can diagnose ARVD based on your medical history, physical exam, and tests. They look for a mix of specific findings that make up the ARVD diagnostic criteria: [1]
Diagnostic Criterion | How It Is Measured |
Abnormal right ventricle function | Echocardiogram or heart MRI [1] |
Fatty or fibrous-fatty tissue in the right ventricle muscle | Heart MRI [1] |
Abnormal ECG/EKG | Electrocardiogram [1] |
Certain arrhythmias, especially with exertion [1] | Heart monitor, stress test |
Family history of ARVD [1] | Medical and family history review |
Depending on how many criteria you meet, your provider may make a definite, borderline, or possible diagnosis. [1] Providers may also recommend genetic testing if your family is at risk. [1]
Healthcare providers prefer a heart MRI for diagnosis. [1] Other tests used include:
Test | What It Shows |
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) [1] | The heart's electrical activity |
Echocardiogram [1] | Heart chamber size and pumping function |
Heart monitor [1] | Rhythms over an extended period |
Cardiac CT [1] | Detailed images of the heart's structure |
Stress test [1] | How the heart responds to exertion |
Electrophysiology testing [1] | The heart's electrical pathways up close |
Tissue sample (biopsy) [1] | Whether fat or scar tissue has replaced muscle |
How Is ARVD Treated?
ARVD has no cure, but your healthcare provider will work to manage your arrhythmias and heart failure, and to prevent blood clots. [1] You may need more than one type of treatment over your lifetime: [1]
Treatment | What It Does |
Antiarrhythmic drugs | Prevent sustained ventricular arrhythmias and/or sudden death. [1] |
Blood pressure medicines | Diuretics or beta-blockers ease the heart's workload. [1] |
Anticoagulants | Medicines such as warfarin prevent blood clots. [1] |
Catheter ablation | A procedure for frequent arrhythmias that do not improve with medication. [1] |
Cardioversion | |
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) | A device for people at risk of sudden death. [1] |
Heart transplant | A donated heart is an option if other treatments fail — rarely needed. [1] |
What Is the Outlook with ARVD?
ARVD life expectancy varies depending on when you get a diagnosis. [1] It is best to be diagnosed at an early age and to receive treatment that prevents irregular heart rhythms, because the condition worsens with time and may progress faster with high-intensity or endurance physical activity. [1]
Without treatment, your right ventricle can fail, followed later by your left ventricle. [1] This can lead to heart failure and atrial fibrillation, and the outlook is worse when both ventricles are affected. [1] With treatment, you can lessen the burden on your heart and prevent dangerous heart rhythms. [1]
Today, the long-term outlook for people with ARVD is good, thanks to advanced imaging like CT and MRI that allow for earlier diagnosis and treatment. [1] But sudden death can happen to people who do not know they have the condition or are not getting the treatment they need — ARVD is the second most common cause of sudden cardiac death in people younger than 35. [1]
How Can I Feel Better Living with ARVD?
To make things easier on your heart, several lifestyle changes help: [1]
Change | Why It Helps |
Limit alcohol [1] | Reduces strain on the heart and arrhythmia triggers. |
Avoid tobacco [1] | Protects blood vessels and heart muscle. |
Eat nutritious foods [1] | Supports overall cardiovascular health. |
Limit caffeine [1] | Reduces a common arrhythmia trigger. |
Stay at a normal weight [1] | Lowers the heart's workload. |
Take medications as prescribed [1] | Keeps arrhythmias and clots under control. |
Limit strenuous activity to 30 minutes a day [1] | Exertion makes ARVD worse; check with your provider first. [1] |
Because exertion makes ARVD worse, check with your healthcare provider before any physical activity. [1] Competitive sports are generally off limits, except possibly low-intensity ones. [1]
What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor?
If you are diagnosed with ARVD, you will need regular appointments for the rest of your life — these help your provider catch developing issues, adjust treatment and medication doses, and check your ICD regularly if you have one. [1] Helpful questions include: Can I be physically active or take part in sports — and if so, which ones? What is the best treatment for me? Do I need an ICD at this time? [1]
Conclusion: A Rare Diagnosis, A Manageable Life
ARVD is a rare inherited heart condition [1], and hearing the words can feel frightening — especially for young, active people for whom a heart diagnosis challenges the identity of an athlete. The scar tissue and fat that replace right-ventricle muscle cannot be reversed, but the dangers they create are highly manageable with modern care.
The single most important factor in your outlook is timing. Early diagnosis through screening — particularly if the condition runs in your family — opens the door to treatment that prevents dangerous rhythms before they cause harm. [1] With medications, an implantable defibrillator when needed, and sensible activity limits, the long-term outlook today is good. [1]
If this describes you or someone you love, talk with a healthcare provider about screening, especially if a first- or second-degree relative has ARVD. [1] Household CPR training can also bring real peace of mind. For more clear, verified health information, explore the rest of Rinnit.com — start with our guides on heart arrhythmias and heart failure.
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FAQ
What is ARVD?
ARVD (arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia), also called ARVC, is a rare genetic condition in which fat and/or fibrous scar tissue replaces damaged heart muscle in the right ventricle. [1] The chamber stretches out, becomes thin, and contracts poorly, and the scar tissue disrupts heartbeat signals — raising the risk of dangerous arrhythmias. [1]
Is ARVD genetic?
Yes. A genetic variant often causes ARVD, and at least 13 genes with causative variants have been identified. [1] These abnormal genes harm the proteins that help heart muscle cells connect and communicate, so the cells in the right ventricle can separate and die. [1] A family history is present in up to half of cases. [1]
How common is ARVD?
ARVD occurs in about 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 5,000 people. [1] It often runs in families but can happen with no family history. [1]
What are the symptoms of ARVD?
Early on there may be no symptoms. [1] When present, they can include heart palpitations, supraventricular arrhythmias (most often atrial fibrillation) [6], dizziness, fainting, fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or belly, and heart failure. [1] Unfortunately, sudden cardiac death can be the first sign. [1]
Why do young athletes sometimes have sudden cardiac arrest?
ARVD is a leading reason some young athletes experience sudden cardiac arrest. The condition is typically diagnosed between ages 20 and 40, occurs more often in males [1], and high-intensity or endurance exertion can worsen it and trigger dangerous rhythms.
How is ARVD diagnosed?
Providers use medical history, physical exam, and tests against specific diagnostic criteria: abnormal right ventricle function (echo or MRI), fatty/fibrous-fatty tissue in the right ventricle (MRI), abnormal ECG/EKG, exertion-related arrhythmias, and family history. [1] A definite, borderline, or possible diagnosis is made depending on how many criteria are met. [1] Heart MRI is preferred, along with ECG, echo, heart monitor, cardiac CT, stress testing, electrophysiology studies, and sometimes biopsy. [1] Genetic testing may be recommended for at-risk families. [1]
Is there a cure for ARVD?
No, there is no cure. [1] But treatment manages arrhythmias and heart failure and prevents blood clots. [1] Options include antiarrhythmic drugs, blood pressure medicines, anticoagulants, catheter ablation, cardioversion, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), and — rarely — heart transplant. [1]
Can I exercise with ARVD?
Exertion makes ARVD worse, so check with your healthcare provider before physical activity. [1] Competitive sports are generally not recommended, except possibly low-intensity ones. [1] Providers often suggest limiting strenuous activity to about 30 minutes a day, alongside limiting alcohol and caffeine, avoiding tobacco, eating well, and staying at a healthy weight. [1]
What is the life expectancy with ARVD?
Life expectancy varies depending on when the diagnosis occurs — earlier diagnosis and treatment lead to better outcomes. [1] Today the long-term outlook is good thanks to advanced imaging enabling earlier diagnosis. [1] Without treatment, the right ventricle can fail, followed by the left, leading to heart failure and atrial fibrillation. [1]
Should my family be tested for ARVD?
Yes. Because a family history is present in up to half of cases and inheritance can be autosomal dominant (a 50% chance for each child of an affected parent), a provider should check all first- and second-degree relatives — teens and older should be screened even without symptoms. [1]
Sources
Cleveland Clinic. ARVC (Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy). Cleveland Clinic Health Library. Last updated September 23, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16752-arrhythmogenic-right-ventricular-dysplasia-arvd
Cleveland Clinic. Cardiomyopathy. Cleveland Clinic Health Library. Last updated August 24, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16841-cardiomyopathy
Cleveland Clinic. Arrhythmia. Cleveland Clinic Health Library. Last updated April 9, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16749-arrhythmia
Bosman LP, Sammani A, James CA, et al. Predicting arrhythmic risk in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Heart Rhythm. 2018;15(7):1097-1107. PMID 29408436. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrthm.2018.01.031
Sharma A, Bosman LP, Tichnell C, et al. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy prevalence and arrhythmic outcomes in at-risk family members: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Circ Genom Precis Med. 2022;15(3):e003530. PMID 35579515. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCGEN.121.003530
Rujirachun P, Wattanachayakul P, Charoenngam N, et al. Prevalence of atrial arrhythmia in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown). 2020;21(5):368-376. PMID 32243340. https://doi.org/10.2459/JCM.0000000000000962
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment decisions.
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