7th March 2024

Signs and symptoms

ARVC generally presents with palpitations or syncopal symptoms, though sudden death caused by right ventricular arrhythmias can be the first symptom of the disease.

It has three typical phases – concealed phase, electrical disorder then RV failure.

In the concealed phase, there may be no significant symptoms and sudden death in the context of intense exercise may occur in this phase.

In those with an overt electrical disorder there may be palpitations, presyncope or syncope due to ventricular arrhythmias.

Those with RV failure will see some of the typical signs and symptoms of ‘right-sided’ heart failure – peripheral oedema, ascites, elevated JVP and hepatic congestion with hepatomegaly.

Ultimately, this can progress and left ventricular involvement can lead to biventricular failure and a similar picture to a dilated cardiomyopathy.