catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
Also written as: CPVT — Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
Inherited arrhythmia syndrome triggered by exercise or emotional stress, requiring careful evaluation and management in athletic populations.
Full Definition
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a rare inherited cardiac channelopathy characterized by exercise- or stress-induced ventricular arrhythmias in individuals with structurally normal hearts. The condition is caused by mutations in genes affecting calcium handling in cardiac myocytes, most commonly RYR2 and CASQ2. CPVT typically manifests during childhood or adolescence with syncope, cardiac arrest, or sudden death during physical exertion or emotional stress. In sports cardiology, CPVT represents a absolute contraindication to competitive athletics due to the high risk of exercise-induced fatal arrhythmias, making accurate diagnosis through genetic testing and exercise stress testing crucial for athlete safety.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as CPVT; ensure correct spelling of 'catecholaminergic' and 'polymorphic' in full form.
In Context
- "Genetic testing confirmed catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, necessitating sports restriction and beta-blocker therapy." — Genetic counseling report
- "The athlete's exercise-induced syncope raised suspicion for catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia." — Sports cardiology consultation