How a VC Can Affect Your Heart
Many people experience occasional PVCs without any problems. 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 top right portion of your heart (the sinoatrial node, also known as SA) usually controls the heart's rhythm. Electrical signals travel to the ventricles, or lower chambers of the heart.
Causes
PVCs occur when the electrical impulse that typically starts your heartbeat in a region called the sinus node (also called the sinoatrial or SA node) isn't. The impulse actually starts in the ventricles and causes a mistimed heartbeat. These extra beats, also known as ventricular tachycardia, or ventricular fibrillation, could feel as if your heart skipped a beat, or it feels like it is like it's fluttering. They can occur rarely and not cause any symptoms, but they could be frequent enough to impact your quality of living. If they occur frequently or cause weakness, dizziness or fatigue, your doctor could treat them with medication.
For the majority of people, PVCs are harmless and do not increase the risk of heart disease or other health problems. In time, repeated PVCs can weaken the heart muscle. This is particularly true if they are caused by a heart disease like dilated cardiomyopathy, or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, which could lead to symptoms of heart failure.
PVCs can cause symptoms such as a feeling of your heart skipping an beat, or fluttering. You may also feel breathless. The fluttering can be more noticeable when you exercise or eat or drink certain drinks or foods. PVCs are more common for those who suffer from chronic anxiety or stress. Some medications, like digoxin, amiodarone, and cocaine, may increase their risk.
If you are experiencing occasional PVCs your doctor might suggest lifestyle changes and medication. If they are a regular occurrence, you may have to avoid some foods and beverages like alcohol and caffeine. You can also take steps to reduce your stress levels, and get plenty of sleep and exercise.
If you have a lot of PVCs The doctor may suggest a medical treatment called radiofrequency catheter ablation, which destroys the cells that are responsible for PVCs. This procedure is performed by a specialist, known as an electrophysiologist. The treatment is typically successful in treating PVCs, reducing symptoms but it does not stop them from becoming recurring in the future. In Recommended Looking at , it may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) which is an illness that can result in stroke. This is rare but can be life-threatening.
Symptoms
Premature ventricular contracts PVCs, also known as PVCs, can cause your heart to skip or to flutter. These extra heartbeats can be harmless, however you might need to see your doctor when they occur frequently or if you are experiencing symptoms such as dizziness or fatigue.
The electrical signals typically begin at the sinoatrial junction, located in the upper right side of the heart. These signals descend to the lower chambers (or ventricles) which pump blood. The ventricles expand to force blood into the lungs. They then return to the center to start the next cycle of pumping. A PVC starts in a different place in the Purkinje fibres bundle at the left side of the heart.
When PVCs occur, they cause the heart beat or feel like it skipped the beat. If you experience just a few episodes but no other symptoms, the cardiologist probably won't treat you. However, if you have lot of PVCs and you have other symptoms, your doctor might recommend an electrocardiogram, or ECG to determine the heart's rate over 24 hours. The doctor may also suggest wearing a Holter Monitor that records your heart rhythm and counts the number of PVCs.
If you've had a prior heart attack or suffer from cardiomyopathy -an illness that alters the way the heart pumps blood -- should take their PVCs seriously and talk to an expert in cardiology about lifestyle changes. This includes cutting down on caffeine, alcohol and smoking, reducing stress and anxiety, as well as getting enough rest. A cardiologist can prescribe beta blockers to slow down the heartbeat.
If you experience frequent PVCs even if do not have other symptoms you should see a cardiologist. These heartbeats that are irregular could indicate a problem in the structure of your heart or lungs and if they happen often enough, they can weaken your heart muscle. The majority of people with PVCs do not have any issues. They are interested in knowing if the rapid heartbeats, or the skipping of heartbeats is normal.
Diagnosis
PVCs can be akin to heartbeats that flutter, particularly if they're frequent and intense. People who experience them frequently may feel weak. Exercise can cause them, but many athletes who experience them do not have heart or health issues. PVCs can show up on tests such as an electrocardiogram, or Holter monitor. They have sensors which record electrical impulses that come from your heart. A cardiologist may also use an ultrasound echocardiogram to examine 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 exam. Sometimes it is possible that they only be able to detect PVCs when they examine patients for a different reason, such as after an accident or surgery. Ambulatory ECG monitors can detect PVCs and other arrhythmias. They may be used to identify cardiac problems if there is any concerns.
If your cardiologist concludes that your heart is structurally normal, reassurance is the only treatment required. However, if your symptoms are causing discomfort or make you feel anxious, staying away from alcohol, caffeine, and other decongestants and reducing stress can aid. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight and drinking enough fluids can all help to reduce the frequency of PVCs. If your symptoms persist or extreme, consult your physician about the medications that could be able to control these symptoms.
Treatment
If PVCs are rare or don't cause symptoms, they do not usually need treatment. If they are frequent, your doctor might be able to look for heart conditions or recommend lifestyle changes. You might also get a procedure to get rid of them (called radiofrequency catheter ablation).
If you suffer from PVCs in your heart the electrical signal that creates your heartbeat is located different than the sinoatrial (SA) node, which is located in the upper right-hand corner of your heart. This can cause your heart to feel as if it skips a beating or has additional beats. PVCs are more frequent among those suffering from heart disease however it's unclear the reason behind them. PVCs are more frequent as we age and can occur more often during exercises.
If a patient has frequent and painful PVCs the doctor is required to perform an ECG and an echocardiogram to determine if there is a structural heart problem. The doctor may also perform an exercise stress test in order to determine if the extra heartbeats are related to physical exercise. To find out whether there are any other causes for the extra beatings the heart catheterization or cardiac MRI could be conducted.
The majority of people who suffer from PVCs are not affected and live the normal life. They can increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythm disorders particularly if they develop in certain patterns. In some cases, this means that the heart muscle becomes weaker and it is more difficult to pump blood throughout your body.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet will reduce your risk of developing PVCs. Avoid foods high in sodium and fat, and limit your intake of tobacco and caffeine. Sleep and stress are equally crucial. Certain medications can increase your risk of PVCs. So if you take one of these medications it's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions about a healthy diet, exercise and taking your medication.
In studies of patients with high PVC burdens (more than 20% of heartbeats), a higher rate arrhythmia-induced cardiac myopathy was found. Some patients may require an organ transplant.