In a new publication in European Heart Journal ACS researchers dr. Krystien Lieve, dr. Christian van der Werf and prof. dr. Arthur Wilde share their new risk stratification model for a rare genetic heart rhythm disorder.
Rare genetic heart rhythm disorder
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a rare genetic heart rhythm disorder. Even with treatment using beta-blockers, which are the first line of therapy, patients can still have dangerous arrhythmic events, such as fainting, sudden cardiac arrest, or sudden cardiac death.
New risk stratification model
New research conducted in a large international cohort of CPVT patients, led by cardiologists dr. Krystien Lieve, dr. Christian van der Werf and prof. dr. Arthur Wilde, has developed and validated a model to stratify the risk of arrhythmic events in patients with RYR2-mediated CPVT who are treated with beta-blockers.
High risk in young patients
Lieve: “Our study shows that the risk of arrhythmic events is especially high in young patients who had symptoms before starting therapy, or in those who showed complex arrhythmias during the baseline cardiological assessment.”
Personalized treatment and supporting decisions
The model was able to separate patients into low, medium, and high risk for future arrhythmic events. Van der Werf: “Early identification of a high-risk patient is crucial, as timely treatment can make all the difference. This model can help guide personalized treatment and support decisions about intensifying therapy beyond beta-blockers in an early stage for individual patients.”
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