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How a VC Can Affect Your Heart
Many people experience occasional PVCs and have no issues. If they occur often, PVCs may weaken your heart and increase the chance of suffering from heart failure.
A bundle of fibers in the upper right-hand corner of your heart (the sinoatrial node, also known as SA) typically regulates the heart's rhythm. Electrical signals travel from there to the lower chambers of your heart, or ventricles.
Causes
PVCs occur when the electrical impulse which normally initiates 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 are called ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. It may feel like the heart beats faster or feels like it is fluttering. They may happen rarely and cause no symptoms, or they may occur frequently enough to impact your quality of life. If they happen frequently or cause weakness, dizziness, or fatigue, your doctor could treat them with medication.
PVCs are generally harmless and do not increase your risk of heart disease. Regular PVCs however, may weaken the heart muscle over time. This is especially the case if they are caused by a heart disease such as dilated cardiomyopathy arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy which could lead to symptoms of heart failure.
The symptoms of PVCs include feeling like your heart beats slower or it flutters. You may feel exhausted. The fluttering may be more noticeable if you exercise, or eat or drink certain drinks or foods. PVCs are more prevalent in people with chronic stress or anxiety. Some medications, like digoxin, amiodarone or cocaine, may increase their risk.
If you have occasional PVCs your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes and medication. If you experience frequent PVCs, your doctor may recommend avoiding certain drinks and foods, such as caffeine and alcohol. You can also take steps to reduce your stress and make sure you get enough sleep and exercise.
If you have lots of PVCs, he may suggest a medical treatment called radiofrequency catheter ablation, which destroys cells that cause PVCs. The procedure is carried out by a specialist known as an electrophysiologist. The treatment is usually effective in treating PVCs, reducing symptoms but does not prevent them from becoming recurring in the future. In some instances, it can increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib) which could result in a stroke. This isn't common but it could be life-threatening.
Signs and symptoms
Premature ventricular contractions, also known as PVCs, may make your heart appear to flutter or skip one beat. These extra heartbeats can be harmless, but you might be advised to consult your physician when they occur frequently or if you are experiencing symptoms such as dizziness or fatigue.
Normaly, electrical signals begin in the sinoatrial area, which is located in the upper right part of the heart. They then travel to the lower chambers, or ventricles, that pump blood. Then, the ventricles contract to propel the blood into your lungs and then return to your heart and start the next pumping cycle. A PVC begins in a different place, the Purkinje fibers are located in the bottom left of the heart.
When PVCs occur, they cause the heart pound or feel as if it skipped one beat. If you've experienced just a few episodes but no other symptoms, your cardiologist probably won't treat you. If you have many PVCs, your doctor may suggest that you undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor your heartbeat for a period of 24 hours. The doctor may also suggest wearing a Holter Monitor that records the heart's rhythm and count the number of PVCs.
If you've had a previous heart attack or have cardiomyopathy -an illness that alters the way the heart pumps blood -- should take their PVCs seriously and consult a cardiologist about lifestyle changes. This includes avoiding alcohol, caffeine and smoking, managing stress and anxiety, as well as getting enough rest. A cardiologist can prescribe beta blockers to slow down the heartbeat.
If you have frequent PVCs, even if you don't have any other signs, you should see a cardiologist. These heartbeats that are irregular could be a sign of a problem with the structure of your heart or lungs and if they occur often enough, they can weaken the heart muscle. But most people suffering from PVCs do not experience any issues. They just want to know that the fluttering or skipping heartbeats aren't normal.
Diagnosis
PVCs can feel like heartbeats that are fluttering particularly if they're frequent and intense. People who experience them regularly may feel weak. They can also occur during exercise, though many athletes who get them do not have any issues in their heart or health. PVCs could show up in tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitor. These use sticky patches with sensors on them to record electrical impulses from your heart. A cardiologist may also use an ultrasound echocardiogram for examining the heart.
Often, a doctor will be able to tell whether a person has PVCs from a history and physical exam. Sometimes, however, they may only be able to detect PVCs when they examine patients for a different reason, like following an accident or a surgery. Ambulatory ECG monitors can detect PVCs and other arrhythmias. They may be used to detect heart disease if there is any concern.
If your cardiologist determines your heart is structurally healthy, reassurance might be all you need. If your symptoms are bothersome or cause you to feel anxious, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and over-the drug decongestants and the reduction of stress could help. window doctors , maintaining a healthy weight, and drinking enough fluids can all aid in reducing the frequency of PVCs. If your symptoms persist or severe, speak to your physician about the medications that may be able to manage the symptoms.
Treatment
If PVCs are rare or don't cause symptoms, they don't usually need treatment. If they occur frequently, your doctor might want to check for heart issues or suggest lifestyle changes. You may also undergo a procedure (called radiofrequency cathode ablation) to eliminate them.
If you suffer from PVCs in your heart, the electrical signal which causes your heartbeat begins somewhere outside of the sinoatrial (SA) node that is located in the upper right 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 who suffer from heart issues, but it's not known the reason behind them. PVCs are more frequent as we age and can occur more frequently during exercising.
If a patient experiences frequent and painful PVCs doctors should perform an ECG and an echocardiogram to determine if there is a structural heart problem. They may also perform an exercise stress test to see whether the extra beats are a result of physical activity. A heart catheterization or cardiac MRI or nuclear perfusion study could be done to look for other causes for the additional beats.
Most people with PVCs do not experience any issues and can live a normal lifestyle. But they can increase the risk of developing dangerous heart rhythm issues especially if you are suffering from certain patterns of them. In some cases, that means the heart muscle gets weaker and is unable to pump blood throughout your body.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet can lower the risk of developing PVCs. You should avoid foods that are high in fat and sodium, and you should also reduce your intake of caffeine and tobacco. Stress and sleep are also crucial. Certain medications can increase the risk of getting PVCs. If you're taking one of these medicines it is important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding eating healthy, exercising and taking your medication.
Studies of patients who had a high burden of PVCs (that's more than 20 percent of their total heart beats) discovered that they had a higher rate of arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy. Some people may need a heart transplant.