Potential ARVD

[italia64]

38yrs old female, no smoke, no drink, no use of drug. Have been dealing with pvc/pac for the past year.  Have had several tests done wihtin this year: 3 holter monitors, 3 echos, a cardiolite stress test and 2 stress echo tests. All tests reported normal results with the exception of finding occasional to frequent pvc, slight thickening of the mitral valve leaflets and a st-segment depression, upsloping (1 to 1.5mm) during a stress test (w/no symptoms).  Blood work is normal, no problem with cholesterol.  I have never passed out or lost consciouness. My heart rate is never over 80 - usually it runs between 58 and 65. I am currently taking Sectral to control bp and pvc. Prior to medication bp was 140/95. Now 130/74.  I am from Southern Italy, but live in the U.S.  I have no history of diagnosed ARVD in my family.  On my mother side there is history of heart problems: My great grandmother died at 25 of heart attack, my mother suffered a heart attack at the age of 62 - but she is still living -and my aunt has had arrythmic issues since she was 40 years old - also still living. I have a brother and sister w/no heart problems. The new cardiologist that I am seeing wants to go down the path of ARVD. I'm scheduled for a cardiac MRI tomorrow.
  
My questions:
1) Wouldn't all of the tests that I just went through have shown some sign of this pretty severe condition?
2)What are the clinical signs of ARVD?
3) What are the physical signs of ARVD?
4)What is the prognosis for ARVD?    

Thank you.

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

ARVD

Arrythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD) is a condition where the right ventricle becomes infiltrated with fatty tissue.
Echocardiography typically shows some abnormalities suggestive of  ARVD, but it can be difficult to diagnose. The MRI is probably the best test to diagnose ARVD. Symptoms can vary, a person can present with SOB, palpitations or fainting spells. I think your doctor is concerned because ARVD is more common in people of your ethnic background and you have a family history of early cardiac death. The prognosis is not very good. However, your MRI should provide a substantial amount of useful information.


Thanks for your question,



CCF-MD-KE

[italia64]

hank, thank you I will let you know... I am on pens and neddles can't wait until tomorrow.  I am very scared. Still don't think that none of the tests that I went through would have not pick up such a condition. I failed to mentioned that I also had numerous EKG - all normal with the exception of the PVC/PAC and that st-segement depression, upsloping.  

Well, will let you know.
paola