Professional
Technical
IVT
channelopathy
Inherited disorders of cardiac ion channels that can cause life-threatening arrhythmias in athletes despite normal heart structure.
Full Definition
A group of genetic conditions affecting cardiac ion channels responsible for the electrical activity of the heart. These include long QT syndrome, short QT syndrome, catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, and Brugada syndrome. Channelopathies are particularly concerning in sports cardiology because they can cause sudden cardiac death in athletes with structurally normal hearts. Exercise and emotional stress can trigger dangerous arrhythmias in susceptible individuals, making identification and management crucial for athlete safety.
In Context
- "Genetic testing identified a pathogenic variant associated with long QT syndrome channelopathy." — Genetic counseling report
- "The family history of sudden death raised suspicion for an underlying channelopathy." — Sports cardiology evaluation
Also known as
cardiac channelopathy
ion channel disorder
Don't confuse with
cardiomyopathy
conduction system disease