Novel perspectives on arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy: Pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and an update on invasive management strategies

Domenico G. Della Rocca, Luca Santini, Giovanni B. Forleo, Aurora Sanniti, Armando Del Prete, Carlo Lavalle, Luigi Di Biase, Andrea Natale, Francesco Romeo

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy is a partially or completely reversible form of myocardial dysfunction due to sustained supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. Asynchrony, rapid cardiac rates and rhythm irregularities are the main factors involved in the development of the disease. The reversible nature of arrhythmia-induced cardiac dysfunction allows only for a retrospective diagnosis of the disease once cardiac function is restored following heart rate control. A high level of suspicion is needed to make a diagnosis at an early stage and prevent further progression of the disease. Although reversible, arrhythmia-induced cellular and molecular changes may remain, increasing the risk for sudden death even when normal ejection fraction is restored as well as causing rapid deterioration of cardiac function and development of heart failure symptoms if arrhythmia recurs. Appropriate management based on a combination of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies to achieve rate control and prevent arrhythmia recurrence is pivotal to avoid further cardiac function deterioration and to control symptoms, significantly reducing the risk of heart failure and sudden cardiac death.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)135-141
Number of pages7
JournalCardiology in review
Volume23
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 9 2015

Keywords

  • arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy
  • atrial fibrillation
  • premature ventricular complex
  • reversible cardiomyopathy
  • transcatheter ablation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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