Myotonic dystrophy

How did Gilbert Gottfried die? His publicist said he had recurrent ventricular tachycardia caused by myotonic dystrophy type II, which affects muscles and ...

Gottfried’s myotonic dystrophy reportedly caused ventricular tachycardia, which is “ a type of abnormal heart rhythm... “For example, a person may have difficulty releasing their grip on a doorknob or handle,” the National Institutes of Health said. The neck and finger muscles are often the first ones affected in type 2 myotonic dystrophy. These changes keep cells in the muscles and other body tissues from functioning normally, leading to signs and symptoms of myotonic dystrophy.” “This abnormal repetition forms an unstable region of the gene. It comes from the word myotonia, which is “an inability to relax muscles at will.”

The comedian, who died Tuesday at 67, was dealing with "a very specific, rare genetic disorder," cardiologist Dr. Jennifer Haythe tells PEOPLE.

Some can get it under control with medication or an ablation — a procedure where doctors freeze or burn the inside of the heart to restore a normal heart rhythm — but others can't, and are at high risk for life-ending cardiac arrest. But it really depends on the person and the cause of their ventricular tachycardia." Myotonic dystrophy can lead to scarring in the heart, and arrhythmias — an irregular heartbeat.

According to Gilbert Gottfried's longtime friend and publicist, the comedian died from "recurrent ventricular tachycardia due to myotonic dystrophy type II.

"People with this condition often have prolonged muscle contractions (myotonia) and are not able to relax certain muscles after use," read a portion of the website. On the website of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, myotonic dystrophy is listed as a form of muscular dystrophy. Specifically, myotonic dystrophy type II is caused by a gene called CNBP.

Comedian and actor Gilbert Gottfried's cause of death was revealed to be recurrent ventricular tachycardia, according to friend and publicist Glenn ...

Renowned comic artiste and 'Aladdin' star, Gilbert Gottfried passed away at the age of 67 after battling prolonged illness, reports.

As per ‘Variety’, several notable names in Hollywood, including comedians Jason Alexander, Dane Cook and more, paid tribute to Gottfried after the shocking news of his death. Although today is a sad day for all of us, please keep laughing as loud as possible in Gilbert’s honour.” Gilbert’s family wrote on Twitter, “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long illness.

According to Gilbert Gottfried's longtime friend and publicist, the comedian died from "recurrent ventricular tachycardia due to myotonic dystrophy type II.

"People with this condition often have prolonged muscle contractions (myotonia) and are not able to relax certain muscles after use," read a portion of the website. On the website of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, myotonic dystrophy is listed as a form of muscular dystrophy. Specifically, myotonic dystrophy type II is caused by a gene called CNBP.

Comedian Gilbert Gottfried died from ventricular tachycardia caused by myotonic dystrophy type II, according to his publicist.

This can cause the person with V-tach to feel short of breath and lightheaded. The rapid heartbeats can prevent the heart chambers from filling up with blood. His publicist and longtime friend, Glenn Schwartz, confirmed that Gottfried had type II myotonic dystrophy, a genetic muscle disorder. - Aerial View: Remains Found in Gary ... - Remains Found in Gary Identified as Missing ... Ventricular tachycardia, or V-tach, is a heart rhythm problem, according to the Mayo Clinic. A healthy heart typically beats about 60 to 100 times a minute, but with V-tach, the heart beats significantly faster, usually 100 or more beats a minute.