After his passing in 2022, the family of the comedian Gilbert Gottfried shared that the comedian had been dealing with recurrent ventricular tachycardia due to myotonic dystrophy type II, which ultimately led to his death.
Ventricular Tachycardia and Myotonic Dystrophy are both disorders of the heart. According to various research, Ventricular Tachycardia is a condition that is considered to be an important arrhythmia of patients that have Myotonic dystrophy.
Gilbert Gottfried, the actor and legendary standup comic known for his raw, scorched voice and crude jokes, has died. He was 67.
— tattooed goalie dad #31???????????????? (@sandropacheco71) April 12, 2022
Gottfried died from recurrent ventricular tachycardia due to myotonic dystrophy type II, a disorder that affects the heart. #RIP #GodBless pic.twitter.com/rs8ibdjSHe
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Having such conditions usually accounts for the patient’s increased risk of having sudden cardiac death, just like what happened to comedian Gilbert Gottfried, who suddenly passed away in 2022 at the age of 67.
So, if you want to know more about the late star’s condition, scroll down as we have everything covered.
What Is Ventricular Tachycardia and Myotonic Dystrophy?
According to Dr. Jennifer Haythe, the two illnesses are very specific and rare. In an interview, the Columbia Women’s Heart Center physician continued to explain that the first part of the disease is Myotonic Dystrophy type II, which is a form of muscular dystrophy in which the muscles become weaker over time.
Myotonic Dystrophy, when untreated, can lead to the eventual scarring of the heart, which causes arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats. Aside from arrhythmias, other symptoms like muscle stiffness, slurred speech, dysphagia, and cataracts are also associated with Myotonic dystrophy.
In Gilbert Gottfried’s case, his abnormal heartbeat was generated by the ventricle instead of the atrium, causing him to acquire a condition called Ventricular Tachycardia. This abnormal heart rhythm is said to be potentially lethal since it doesn’t provide a good blood supply to the rest of the body.
It’s Signs And Symptoms
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What makes this condition terrifying is the fact that the conditions aren’t that apparent on a daily basis. Some may have frequent palpitations, but for most people who have this condition, symptoms aren’t that evident at all.
The chance of acquiring such a condition is slim but not impossible. So, in cases where one is diagnosed with such a condition, it is recommended for the patient to immediately seek professional help to lessen the risk of having lethal cardiac problems in the long run.
It Can Cause Other Fatal Conditions
Moreover, having such a condition can drastically change one’s life, as patients who are associated with such disease are not only subjected to cardiac problems. Myotonic Dystrophy can also greatly affect muscle movements, breathing and swallowing muscles, the lens of the eye, and even the brain.
Aside from that, it can also cause hormonal changes and diabetes. That is why it is extremely important to diagnose such a condition as early as possible so the proper treatments can immediately be provided.
Treatment
Purkinje-Related Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation: Solved and Unsolved Questions | JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology https://t.co/hYNXDWHQVo.… pic.twitter.com/O5C9RK3EFb
— Dr.Saleh Albasiri (@AlbasiriDr) October 23, 2023
People who have this type of condition are usually prescribed maintenance medication to keep their heartbeat under control. In severe cases, a defibrillator is used to shock the heart and restore its normal rhythm.
Shocking by a defibrillator can sometimes cause patients to develop post-traumatic stress disorder due to anxiety that they will be shocked frequently. Since things can vary from person to person, the best precaution is to visit a doctor and undergo a whole-body checkup to detect such health issues early.
After the news of Gilbert Gottfried dealing with recurrent ventricular tachycardia due to myotonic dystrophy type II was revealed, people now have been made aware of it, with some slowly making an effort to take better care of themselves.