How a VC Can Affect Your Heart
PVCs are commonplace and can be experienced by a variety of people without causing any issues. However, if they happen frequently, PVCs can weaken your heart muscle and increase your risk of heart failure.
A bundle of fibers located in the upper right-hand corner of your heart (the sinoatrial node, also known as SA) typically controls the heart's rhythm. Electrical signals travel from there to the lower heart chambers, or ventricles.
Causes
PVCs happen by the electrical impulse that normally starts your heartbeat at the Sinus Node (also known as the Sinoatrial or SA node) is not initiated. Instead, the impulse is generated in another area of your heart, the ventricles, and causes a mistimed beat. These extra beats, also called ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, could feel as if your heart skipped a beat or feels fluttering. They may occur infrequently and not cause any symptoms, but they may occur frequently enough to affect your standard of living. If they happen frequently or cause weakness, dizziness or fatigue, your doctor might treat them with medication.
PVCs are generally harmless and do not increase the risk of heart disease. Over time, repeated PVCs can weaken the heart muscle. This is particularly relevant if they are triggered by a heart disease like dilated cardiomyopathy, or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy which may lead to symptomatic heart failure.
The symptoms of PVCs include feeling like your heart beats slower or flutters, and you may feel exhausted. The fluttering could be more evident when you exercise or consume certain drinks or foods. PVCs are more common in people with chronic anxiety or stress. Certain medications, like digoxin, amiodarone and cocaine, may increase the risk.
If you are experiencing occasional PVCs your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes and medication. If they are a frequent occurrence, you may have to avoid some drinks and foods, such as alcohol and caffeine. You can also lower your stress by getting enough sleep and working out.
If you've got a lot of PVCs Your doctor may suggest a medical procedure known as radiofrequency catheter ablation, which destroys the cells that cause them. The procedure is carried out by a specialist known as an electrophysiologist. The treatment is usually successful in treating PVCs which reduce symptoms, but it does not stop them from becoming recurring in the future. In some cases it can increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition that can cause stroke. It is not common, but it could be life-threatening.
Signs and symptoms
Premature ventricular contractions, or PVCs, can make your heart seem to flutter or skip a beat. These extra heartbeats are usually harmless, however, you should consult your physician when you experience frequent episodes or other symptoms such as dizziness or weakness.
The electrical signals normally begin in the sinoatrial region, which is in the upper right part of the heart. They then move to the lower chambers, or ventricles, where blood pumps are located. Then, the ventricles contract to propel the blood into your lungs and then return to the heart and start the next cycle of pumping. A PVC starts in a different location in the Purkinje fibres bundle in the left-hand side of the heart.
When PVCs happen and the heart is affected, it may appear to be skipping a beat or pounding. If you experience only a few episodes, and no other symptoms are present the cardiologist will likely not be able to treat you. If you have a lot of PVCs the doctor may suggest that you undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the heartbeat over the course of 24 hours. The doctor may also recommend wearing a Holter Monitor which tracks your heartbeat and tracks the number of PVCs.
People who have suffered a heart attack in the past or have cardiomyopathy -- a condition that alters the way the heart pumps blood should take their PVCs seriously and talk to a cardiologist about lifestyle changes. These include avoiding alcohol, caffeine and smoking, reducing anxiety and stress, and getting enough rest. A cardiologist might prescribe medications to slow the heartbeat like a beta blocker.
If you experience frequent PVCs even if you don't have any other symptoms you should see a cardiologist. These irregular heartbeats could indicate a problem in the structure of your heart or lungs, and if they occur frequently enough, they can weaken the heart muscle. Suggested Web site with PVCs don't experience any issues. They just want to be aware that the fluttering and racing heartbeats aren't normal.
Diagnosis
PVCs can be felt as fluttering or skipped heartbeats, especially if they are frequent or intense. Patients who have a lot of them might feel like they're going to faint. Exercise can trigger them, but most athletes who suffer from these symptoms do not have heart or health problems. PVCs may show up in tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitor. These use sticky patches with sensors to record electrical signals from your heart. A cardiologist may also use an ultrasound echocardiogram for examining the heart.
Most of the time, a doctor will be able to determine if someone is suffering from PVCs through a medical history and physical examination. Sometimes however, they might only be able to detect PVCs when they examine the patient for another reason, like following an accident or surgical procedure. Ambulatory ECG monitors can detect PVCs and other arrhythmias. They can be used to identify cardiac problems in the event of any reason to be concerned.
If your cardiologist concludes that your heart's structure is normal, reassurance will be the only remedy required. If your symptoms are causing discomfort or make you feel anxious, avoiding caffeine, alcohol and over-the-counter decongestants and reducing stress may aid. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and drinking enough fluids can help reduce the frequency of PVCs. If your symptoms continue or are extreme, talk to your doctor about treatments that could help control the symptoms.
Treatment
If PVCs are rare or do not cause symptoms, they rarely need treatment. If they are frequent your doctor may need to examine for heart conditions or recommend lifestyle changes. You might also get an intervention to get rid of them (called radiofrequency catheter ablation).
If you suffer from PVCs in your heart the electrical signal that causes your heartbeat begins somewhere outside of the sinoatrial (SA) node, which is located in the upper right corner of your heart. This could cause your heart to feel as if it skips a beating or has extra beats. PVCs are more prevalent among people who suffer from heart issues, but it's not known the reason behind them. PVCs may increase in frequency with age and might happen more frequently during exercising.
If a patient is experiencing frequent and painful PVCs doctors should conduct an ECG and an echocardiogram to rule out heart disease that is structural. The doctor may also perform an exercise stress test in order to determine if the additional heartbeats are caused by physical activity. A heart catheterization or cardiac MRI or nuclear perfusion study can be done to look for other causes for the additional beats.
The majority of people with PVCs are not affected and can lead an ordinary life. However, they may increase your risk of having dangerous heart rhythm issues particularly if you have certain patterns of them. In some cases this means that the heart muscle gets weaker and it is more difficult to pump blood throughout your body.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet will lower the risk of developing PVCs. Avoid foods that are high in fat and sodium, and limit your intake of tobacco and caffeine. Also, you should try to get enough sleep and reduce stress. Certain medicines can also increase your risk for PVCs. If you are taking any of these medications, it is important to follow the advice of your doctor regarding healthy eating, exercising, and taking your medication.
In studies of patients suffering from high PVC burdens (more than 20% of total heartbeats), a higher rate arrhythmia-induced myopathy in the heart was observed. This can lead to a need for a heart transplant in certain individuals.