Mechanisms and management of the heart in myotonic dystrophy

Heart. 2011 Jul;97(13):1094-100. doi: 10.1136/hrt.2010.214197.

Abstract

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is the most common form of adult onset muscular dystrophy and is caused by expansion of short nucleotide repeats that, in turn, produce toxic RNA aggregates within cells. DM is multisystemic, and the heart is primary site of pathology. DM patients exhibit cardiac conduction disorders including atrial fibrillation, atrio-ventricular heart block and ventricular arrhythmias. DM patients are also at risk for cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. Myotonic dystrophy is also characterized by myotonia, muscle weakness, and profound fatigue. The management of these symptoms requires input from the cardiologist and a team approach to minimize the debilitating aspects of the disorder and optimize cardiac function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Cardiovascular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chromosome Aberrations
  • Female
  • Heart Diseases / diagnosis
  • Heart Diseases / genetics
  • Heart Diseases / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myotonic Dystrophy / diagnosis
  • Myotonic Dystrophy / genetics
  • Myotonic Dystrophy / therapy*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Cardiovascular Agents