What is the heart condition that ended the careers of James Taylor and Muamba Fabrice?

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· Fabrice Muamba and James Taylor retired due to being diagnosed with ARVC.

· ARVC means Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricle Cardiomyopathy.

· Due to muscle in the right ventricle being replaced by fatty tissue.

Former Nottinghamshire and England cricketer James Taylor had his world turned upside down three years ago, after doctors discovered a severe condition with the player’s heart.

Only six years after the same condition called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), ended Fabrice Muamba’s career.

According to Doctor Brian Sutterer, “A heart arrythmia is an abnormal electrical activity in the heart which causes things to be out of sync, which can impair blood supply.”

ARVC is a rare, genetic condition inherited through generations, which is caused by the muscle in the right ventricle of the heart being replaced by fatty tissue. The fatty tissue acts as a barrier to the electrical activity, resulting in the heart struggling to pump blood around the body.

People suffering from ARVC are at a relatively low risk of sudden cardiac death, but the condition varies for all sufferers, as the condition can be more active.

Symptoms can include dizziness, blackouts and sustained palpitations. Just over half of all patients will experience the symptoms of ARVC, unless tested for, sufferers may not find out about the condition.

ARVC can be detected by having an electrocardiogram (ECG) performed at your local doctor. The ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart. An echocardiogram could also be performed to show the pumping action of the heart.

An MRI of the heart can be used to see fatty tissue in the right ventricle, as well as possible genetic testing due the condition being hereditary.

A couple of treatments have also come into use for people with ARVC. Just like other heart conditions, there are surgical and interventional procedures, along with medications that can assist the heart.

A major question for athletes is; what would happen if they were diagnosed with ARVC? Doctor Sutterer stated, “if discovered, they are more than likely going to be advised not to play and to do very low risk activities once they’ve been risk stratified.”

Although a rare condition, athletes such as these stress the absolute seriousness of the condition. If you do feel like anything is wrong, make sure to consult your local doctor.