How a VC Can Affect Your Heart
PVCs are common and may be experienced by a wide range of people without causing any problems. If they happen frequently, PVCs may weaken your heart and increase the risk of heart failure.
A bundle of fibers in the upper right-hand corner of your heart (the sinoatrial or SA node) typically controls your heart rhythm. Electrical signals are transmitted to the ventricles or lower chambers of your heart.
Causes
PVCs are caused when the electrical impulse which normally starts your heartbeat at the Sinus Node (also known as the Sinoatrial or the SA node) is not initiated. The impulse actually begins in the ventricles and causes an irregular heartbeat. window doctors , called ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, could feel as if your heart skipped a beat or is like it's fluttering. They can occur infrequently and have no symptoms or they can occur frequently enough to affect your quality of life. Your doctor might prescribe medication if they are frequent or cause dizziness, weakness or fatigue.
PVCs are generally harmless and do not increase your risk of heart disease. Over time, frequent PVCs can weaken the heart muscle. This is particularly relevant if the PVCs result from a condition like dilated cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic right ventricle cardiomyopathy that can cause heart failure.
The signs of PVCs include a feeling that your heart skips a beat or flutters, and you may feel breathless. The fluttering may be more noticeable when you exercise or consume certain foods or drinks. PVCs are more common for those who suffer from chronic stress or anxiety. Some medications, like digoxin, amiodarone, and cocaine, can also increase the risk of developing PVCs.
If you have occasional PVCs your doctor might suggest lifestyle changes and medications. If they are a regular occurrence, you may have to avoid certain drinks and foods like alcohol and caffeine. You can also reduce stress by getting enough sleep and working out.
If you have a lot of PVCs Your doctor may suggest a medical procedure called radiofrequency catheter ablation. It eliminates the cells that are responsible for them. Electrophysiologists are the ones who carry out this procedure. It is generally effective in treating PVCs and reducing symptoms however, it doesn't prevent them from occurring in the future. In some instances it may increase your risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) which could cause stroke. It's not common, but it can be life-threatening.
Symptoms
Premature ventricular contracts PVCs, also known as PVCs, can cause your heart to skip or be fluttering. These heartbeats that are not normal can be harmless, but you may want to consult your doctor in the event of frequent heartbeats or if you notice symptoms like dizziness, or fatigue.
The electrical signals normally begin in the sinoatrial, located in the upper right part of the heart. They then move to the lower chambers, or ventricles, that pump blood. The ventricles then expand to push blood into the lungs, and then return to your heart to begin the next cycle of pumping. But a PVC begins in a different location that is separate from the bundle of fibers known as the Purkinje fibers in the bottom left portion of the heart.
When PVCs occur, they can make the heart pound or feel as if it skipped a beat. If you experience only just a few episodes and no other symptoms are present, your cardiologist will probably not treat you. If you have a lot of PVCs and your doctor might suggest you undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) to determine the heartbeat for 24 hours. The doctor may also suggest wearing a Holter monitor that records your heartbeat over time to determine the number of PVCs you have.
Anyone who has suffered a previous heart attack or cardiomyopathy - a condition which affects the method by which the heart pumps blood - must take their PVCs seriously and speak to an expert in cardiology about lifestyle changes. These include avoiding caffeine, alcohol and smoking, reducing anxiety and stress and ensuring adequate sleep. A cardiologist can prescribe beta blockers to slow the heartbeat.
Even if you don't experience any other indications it is still recommended to have PVCs checked by an expert in cardiology if they occur frequently. These extra heartbeats can be a sign of an issue with the structure of your heart or other health issues, and over time, when they are frequent enough, they could weaken the heart muscle. But most people suffering from PVCs don't have any issues. They would like to know if rapid heartbeats, or the skipping of heartbeats is normal.
Diagnosis
PVCs may appear to be fluttering or skip heartbeats, especially when they're frequent or intense. People who experience them often may feel weak. They can also occur during training, even though many athletes who experience them don't have issues with their heart or health. PVCs can be detected on tests such as an electrocardiogram or Holter monitor. These patches have sensors which record electrical impulses that come from your heart. A cardiologist could also employ an ultrasound echocardiogram for examining the heart.
Often, a doctor will be able to identify if a person is suffering from PVCs from a patient's history and physical exam. Sometimes, however, they may only notice PVCs when examining the patient for another reason, such as after an accident or surgical procedure. Ambulatory ECG monitoring systems also assist in detecting PVCs and other arrhythmias and can be used when there is a concern of cardiac disease.
If your cardiologist concludes that your heart is structurally normal, reassurance is the only treatment needed. If your symptoms are causing discomfort or cause you to feel anxious, avoiding caffeine, alcohol and over-the-counter decongestants and reducing stress may aid. Getting regular exercise, staying at a healthy weight, and drinking enough water can also reduce your episodes of PVCs. If your symptoms persist or are extreme, talk to your doctor about possible medications that can control the symptoms.
Treatment
If PVCs don't cause symptoms or are not frequent, they usually don't need treatment. If they occur frequently, your doctor might want to check for heart problems or suggest lifestyle adjustments. You may also undergo a procedure (called radiofrequency cathode ablation) to eliminate of them.
When you have PVCs The electrical signal that triggers your heartbeat starts somewhere other than the sinoatrial node (SA node) located in the upper right side of your heart. This could cause it to feel like your heart skips beats or has extra beats. It's unclear what causes these symptoms, but they're frequent in those with other heart issues. PVCs can become more frequent as you age, and they could be more frequent during exercises.
If a patient experiences frequent and painful PVCs, a physician is required to perform an ECG and an echocardiogram to rule out heart disease that is structural. They may also perform an exercise stress test to determine whether the extra beats are due to physical exercise. To find out whether there are any other causes for the extra beatings, a heart catheterization or cardiac MRI could be conducted.
The majority of people with PVCs do not experience any issues and can live an ordinary life. They could increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythm disorders particularly if they develop in certain patterns. In some instances, this means that the heart muscle gets weaker and it is more difficult to pump blood throughout your body.
A healthy, regular diet and a lot of exercise can help reduce your chances of developing PVCs. You should avoid foods that are high in fat and sodium as well as restrict your intake of tobacco and caffeine. Stress and sleep are also important. Some medicines may also increase your risk for PVCs. If you take any of these medications it is essential to follow your doctor's advice regarding healthy eating and exercising as well as taking your medication.
Studies of patients who had a high amount of PVCs (that's more than 20% of their total heart beats) found that they had a higher risk of arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy. This could lead to the need for a transplant in some patients.