Symptoms
How We Can Help You
We have the knowledge and experience you and your family need for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies (ACM), including arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), sometimes called arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). ARVC is an inherited disease that can cause abnormal and sometimes dangerous heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and changes in the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). Because it is rare, ARVC and other types of ACM often go undetected.
Our team has expertise diagnosing and treating ACM and ARVC. We offer comprehensive evaluation for arrhythmic cardiomyopathies, including specialized testing and skilled interpretation of the results. Our team has the experience to diagnose these heart conditions and protect against life-threatening heart rhythms. We also offer genetic testing for ACM to help with your diagnosis and assist with guiding family screening.
What We Offer You for Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
- Internationally recognized expertise from a center with more than a decade of experience treating ACM/ARVC and researching the genetic causes of these conditions.
- Precise diagnostics that combine genetic testing and advanced imaging protocols designed to ensure that the right ventricle is accurately evaluated.
- Team-based approach that brings together top arrhythmia specialists, inherited cardiomyopathy specialists, genetic counselors, advanced practice providers, and registered nurses specifically trained in inherited cardiovascular medicine for the complete care of you and your family.
- Personalized treatment plans, including medications and lifestyle adjustments to keep your heart healthy, and advanced arrhythmia or heart failure care if needed.
- Genetic counseling services to assess and manage your family’s inherited genetic risk, including partners with Stanford Children’s Health for specialized pediatric genetic and cardiovascular services.
- Comprehensive support, including help with medications, family planning, exercise, diet, and the emotional challenges of diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment for ACM and ARVC
Our specialists use a team approach, bringing together cardiologists, genetic counselors, electrophysiologists (specialists in the heart’s electrical system), advanced practice providers, registered nurses, and other experts to address your specific needs.
Before making recommendations, we carefully evaluate your personal and family history and use the latest cardiac imaging to assess your heart function. We determine your risk for ventricular tachycardia and other arrhythmias, devising the best plan to keep you safe.
Our genetic counselors have special training in the genetics of ACM and ARVC and the best ways to help you understand your family’s risk. Genetic test results can guide treatment, help identify at-risk or affected family members, and guide future family planning. Learn more about our genetic counseling services >>
Depending on your specific needs, your care plan may include one or more treatments:
We are a leading arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy research center on the West Coast.
Medication & Lifestyle Changes
Our doctors may determine that lifestyle adjustments alone are enough to stabilize your heart function. We also provide personalized lifestyle support to help you set a safe level of physical activity and control other risk factors that may impact your heart. For individuals with more advanced needs, we may also recommend medications to prevent dangerous heart rhythms and treat weakening of the heart muscle.
Additional support
We understand that living with a chronic heart condition can present new challenges. Our team includes psychologists specially trained in the needs of cardiovascular patients. They provide behavioral therapy and other services to help you adjust to your diagnosis, manage health-related stress, and make important lifestyle adjustments.
Arrhythmia Treatment
ACM and ARVC increase risk for arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeats, that progress over time, even if a person does not feel symptoms. Our doctors regularly monitor your heart rhythm and prescribe medications to suppress irregular rhythms. If, after medication, there is a need for additional arrhythmia treatment, we offer:
- Minimally invasive procedures: In some cases, your doctor may recommend minimally invasive cardiac ablation to reduce or eliminate a life-threatening arrhythmia. Stanford electrophysiologists offer national expertise in treating arrhythmias with the latest ablation techniques.
- Implantable devices: Your doctor may recommend an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), a device that can treat life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities by pacing the heart or delivering a shock. Expertly trained electrophysiologists implant these devices using minimally invasive approaches.
Advanced Treatments
In rare cases, advanced ACM and ARVC may lead to heart failure and require more significant intervention such as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) or heart transplant. Stanford surgeons are internationally recognized for their expertise in these treatments, many of which were pioneered here at Stanford.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.
Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling but may open in the future.
What are Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM) and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC)?
Our Clinics
Our center provides world-leading care for patients and families with genetic diseases of the heart and blood vessels. We bring together specialized cardiologists, genetic counselors, and cardiovascular nurses to provide all the support you and your family need.
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2nd Floor, Room A260
Stanford, CA 94305
Phone: 650-736-7878
To schedule an appointment, please call: 650-721-4363