Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia: from genetics to treatment.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD), also known as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, is a genetic cause for sudden cardiac arrest. In ARVD, there is progressive replacement of normal myocytes, with fat and fibrous tissue, predominantly in the right ventricle that predisposes the individual to arrhythmias. Patients who are identified with this condition are risk stratified; those at high risk are recommended to have implanted cardioverter defibrillators.