How a VC Can Affect Your Heart
PVCs are common and may be experienced by a wide range of people without causing any issues. If they happen frequently, PVCs may weaken your heart and increase your 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 travel from this node to the lower heart chambers or ventricles.
Causes
PVCs occur by the electrical impulse that normally triggers your heartbeat at the Sinus Node (also known as the Sinoatrial or the SA node) is not initiated. The impulse actually starts in the ventricles and causes an untimed heartbeat. These extra beats, also called ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, can feel like your heart skipped a beat or feels fluttering. They may happen rarely and cause no symptoms, or they can occur frequently enough to interfere with your quality of life. Your doctor might prescribe medication in the event that they are frequent or cause dizziness, weakness or fatigue.
PVCs are generally harmless and do not increase your risk of heart disease. Regular PVCs, however, can weaken the heart muscle over time. This is particularly the case if they are caused by a heart disease such as dilated cardiomyopathy or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, which could lead to symptoms of heart failure.
PVCs can cause symptoms, such as a sensation of your heart skipping one beat, or even the feeling of your heart fluttering. You might also feel breathless. The fluttering could be more apparent if you exercise, or eat or drink certain foods or beverages. PVCs are more prevalent in people with chronic anxiety or stress. Certain drugs, like digoxin, amiodarone, and cocaine, can increase the risk.
If you experience occasional PVCs your doctor might suggest lifestyle changes and medications. If you experience frequent PVCs, your doctor might suggest that you stay away from certain drinks and foods, such as caffeine and alcohol. You can also lower stress by having enough sleep and working out.
If you're experiencing a lot of PVCs the doctor might suggest a medical procedure called radiofrequency catheter ablation, which eliminates the cells that cause PVCs. This procedure is performed by a specialist called an electrophysiologist. The treatment is typically effective in treating PVCs and reducing symptoms, but it does not stop them from recurring in the future. In certain cases it may increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib) which could lead to stroke. This is rare but it could be life-threatening.
Signs and symptoms
Premature ventricular contractures PVCs, also known as PVCs, can cause your heart to skip or flutter. These extra heartbeats are harmless, however you might need to see your doctor in the event of frequent heartbeats or if you notice symptoms like dizziness or fatigue.
Normally, electrical signals start in the sinoatrial node, located in the top right-hand side of the heart. They move down to the lower chambers (or ventricles) that pump blood. The ventricles contract to pump blood into the lung. They return to the heart's center to start the next cycle of pumping. A PVC begins in a different location, the Purkinje fibers are located in the bottom left of the heart.
When PVCs occur, the heart may feel as if it's racing or pounding. If you have only a few episodes, and there are no other symptoms, your cardiologist will probably not prescribe treatment. But if you have a large number of PVCs, the doctor may recommend an electrocardiogram, or ECG to determine your heartbeat over the course of 24 hours. They may also suggest wearing a Holter Monitor, which records the heart's rhythm and count the number of PVCs.
People who have had a previous heart attack or have cardiomyopathy -- a condition that affects how the heart pumps blood- should take their PVCs seriously and speak with a cardiologist about changes to their lifestyle. These include avoiding alcohol, caffeine and smoking, reducing stress and anxiety, as well as getting enough rest. A cardiologist may prescribe medication to slow the heartbeat, such as beta blockers.
If you are experiencing frequent PVCs even if do not have any other symptoms, you should consult an expert in cardiology. These extra heartbeats may indicate a problem in the structure of your heart or lungs, and if they occur frequently enough, can weaken your heart muscle. Most people who suffer from PVCs don't experience any issues. They want to know if the rapid heartbeats, or the skipping of heartbeats is normal.
Diagnosis
PVCs can feel like fluttering or skipped heartbeats, particularly when they're frequent or intense. People who experience them frequently might feel faint. They can also occur with training, even though many athletes who suffer from them do not have any issues with their heart or health. PVCs can be detected on tests such as an electrocardiogram or Holter monitor. These use sticky patches with sensors on them to record electrical impulses coming from your heart. A cardiologist could also employ an ultrasound echocardiogram to examine the heart.
Often, a doctor will be able to tell whether a person has PVCs from a history and physical exam. Sometimes however, they might only be able to detect PVCs when they examine patients for a different reason, such as after an accident or surgery. Ambulatory ECG monitoring systems can help detect PVCs and other arrhythmias and could be utilized in the event of any suspicion of a cardiac condition.
If your cardiologist concludes that your heart is structurally normal, reassurance will be the only treatment needed. If your symptoms are bothersome or make you feel anxious, staying away from alcohol, caffeine and other decongestants and reducing stress may help. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight and drinking enough fluids can all help reduce the frequency of PVCs. If your symptoms are persistent or severe, speak to your doctor about medications that could be able to reduce them.
Treatment
If PVCs aren't causing symptoms or occur rarely generally, they don't require treatment. If you are frequently affected or frequently, your doctor may wish to examine for other heart issues and recommend lifestyle changes or medications. You could also have a procedure to get rid of them (called radiofrequency catheter ablation).
If you suffer from PVCs, the electrical signal that triggers your heartbeat is generated from a place different than the sinoatrial nerve (SA node) in the top right part of your heart. This can cause your heart to feel like it skips a beating or has additional beats. PVCs are more prevalent among people who suffer from heart issues, but it's not known what causes them. PVCs are more likely to occur as you age, and they may be more frequent during exercising.
If a patient is experiencing frequent and painful PVCs doctors should conduct an ECG and an echocardiogram to rule out structural heart disease. The doctor will also likely conduct an exercise stress test to determine if the additional heartbeats are caused by physical activity. A heart catheterization, cardiac MRI or nuclear perfusion study could be conducted to determine other causes for the additional beats.
Most people who suffer from PVCs don't experience any complications and can lead a normal lifestyle. They may increase the risk of developing heart rhythm disorders that can be dangerous particularly if they happen in certain patterns. In some instances, 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 fat and sodium and limit your intake of caffeine and tobacco. You should also try to get enough rest and reduce stress. Certain medications can increase your risk of getting PVCs. If window doctor near me Repair My Windows And Doors are taking one of these drugs it is important to follow your doctor's recommendations about a healthy diet, exercise and taking your medication.
In studies of patients with high PVC burdens (more than 20% of the total heartbeats) the higher rate of arrhythmia-induced cardiac myopathy was discovered. Certain people may require a heart transplant.