How a VC Can Affect Your Heart

PVCs are commonplace and can be experienced by many people with no cause for concern. If they happen frequently, PVCs may weaken your heart and increase your risk for 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 there to the lower heart chambers or ventricles.

Causes

PVCs are caused when the electrical impulse that normally begins your heartbeat in a part known as the sinus node (also known as the sinoatrial or SA node) does not. Instead, the impulse is generated in a different part of your heart, the ventricles, and causes a mistimed beat. These extra beats, also called 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 happen infrequently and cause no symptoms, or they may occur frequently enough to impact your daily life. Your doctor may prescribe medication if they are frequent or cause dizziness, weakness or fatigue.

PVCs are generally harmless and don't increase your risk of developing heart disease. Regular PVCs however, could weaken the heart muscle over time. This is particularly true if they are caused by a heart disease such as dilated cardiomyopathy or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, which may lead to symptomatic heart failure.

The symptoms of PVCs include a feeling that your heart skips a beat or flutters, and you may feel breathless. The fluttering can be more evident when you exercise or consume certain beverages or foods. People who suffer from chronic anxiety or stress can have more PVCs, and some medications like amiodarone digoxin and cocaine can increase the chance of developing them.

If you have occasional PVCs your door doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and medication. If they're a frequent occurrence, you may need to stay clear of certain drinks and foods, such as caffeine and alcohol. You can also lower your stress levels by having enough sleep and exercising.

If you have a lot of PVCs Your doctor may recommend a medical procedure referred to as radiofrequency catheter ablation, which eliminates the cells that are responsible for them. This procedure is performed by a specialist known as an electrophysiologist. It is generally effective in treating PVCs and reducing symptoms, however it does not stop them from occurring in the future. In some cases it may increase your risk of having atrial fibrillation (AFib) which can cause stroke. This is rare but can be life-threatening.

Signs and symptoms

Premature ventricular contracts, or PVCs can cause your heart to skip or to flutter. These extra heartbeats can be harmless, however you might need to see your doctor if they are frequent or if you are experiencing symptoms like dizziness or fatigue.

The electrical signals normally begin in the sinoatrial area, which is located in the upper right-hand part of the door doctor heart. They then travel to the lower chambers, also known as ventricles, that pump blood. The ventricles then contract to propel blood into your lungs, and Glazing doctor return to the heart and start the next pumping cycle. However, a PVC starts in a different location that is separate from the bundle of fibers called the Purkinje fibers in the lower left part of the heart.

When PVCs occur, they make the heart beat or feel as if it skipped a beat. If you only have just a few episodes and no other symptoms are present, your cardiologist will probably not be able to treat you. If you've got a lot of PVCs and you have other symptoms, your doctor might suggest an electrocardiogram, or ECG to gauge your heartbeat over a 24-hour period. The doctor may also recommend wearing a Holter Monitor that records your heart rhythm and counts the number of PVCs.

People who have suffered a previous heart attack or have suffered from cardiomyopathy - a condition which affects the way the heart pumps blood - should take their PVCs seriously and speak to a cardiologist regarding lifestyle modifications. This includes abstaining from caffeine, alcohol, and smoking, managing stress and anxiety, as well as getting enough rest. A cardiologist can prescribe beta blockers to slow down the heartbeat.

Even if there aren't any other signs it is still recommended to have PVCs examined by an cardiologist if they occur frequently. These irregular heartbeats could indicate a problem in the structure of your heart or lungs, and if they happen often enough, can weaken your heart muscle. But most people suffering from PVCs don't have any issues. They would like to know if irregular heartbeats or fluttering is normal.

Diagnosis

PVCs may appear to be fluttering or skip heartbeats, especially when they're frequent or intense. People who experience them frequently might feel faint. They can also occur with exercising, but most athletes who experience them don't have issues in their heart or health. PVCs can show up in tests like an electrocardiogram or a Holter monitor. These use sticky patches with sensors on them to record electrical impulses coming from your heart. A cardiologist could also employ an echocardiogram that uses ultrasound to look at the heart and determine how it's functioning.

Most of the time, a doctor will be able to identify if someone is suffering from PVCs from a history and physical exam. Sometimes however, they might only be able to detect PVCs when they examine a patient for another reason such as following an accident or a surgery. Ambulatory ECG monitors are able to detect PVCs as well as other arrhythmias. They are able to identify cardiac problems in the event of any concern.

If your cardiologist determines that your heart's structure is normal, reassurance will be the only treatment needed. However, if your symptoms are bothersome or make you feel anxious, staying away from alcohol, caffeine and other decongestants as well as reducing stress levels can aid. Regular exercise, being at a healthy weight and drinking enough fluids can reduce your episodes of PVCs. If you are experiencing symptoms that are persistent or extreme, consult your glazing doctor about medication that could be able to control them.

Treatment

If PVCs do not cause any symptoms or are not frequent they aren't usually in need of treatment. If they occur frequently your doctor may need to examine for heart problems or suggest lifestyle modifications. You could also have an operation (called radiofrequency cathode ablation) to get rid them.

If you have PVCs The electrical signal that causes your heartbeat is generated from a place other than the sinoatrial node (SA node) located in the upper right side of your heart. This could cause your heart to feel as if it skips a beating or has additional beats. It's unclear what causes these symptoms, but they're frequent in those with other heart issues. PVCs are more frequent as we age and can occur more often during exercising.

If a patient experiences frequent and painful PVCs window doctors near me should perform an ECG and an echocardiogram to determine if there is a structural heart problem. The doctor will also perform an exercise stress test to determine if the extra heartbeats are caused by physical activity. A heart catheterization, cardiac MRI or nuclear perfusion studies can be performed to find other causes of the extra beats.

Most people with PVCs have no complications and can lead a normal life. They could increase your risk for dangerous heart rhythm disorders particularly if they develop in certain patterns. In some cases this means that the heart muscle becomes weaker and has difficulty pumping blood throughout your body.

A healthy, regular diet and plenty of exercise can reduce the risk of developing PVCs. You should avoid foods that are high in fat and sodium as well as reduce your intake of caffeine and tobacco. You should also try to get enough rest and manage stress. Certain medications can increase your risk for PVCs. If you are taking any of these medicines, it is important that you follow your doctor's recommendations regarding healthy eating, exercising, and taking your medication.