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How a VC Can Affect Your Heart

Many people experience occasional PVCs with no problems. If they happen frequently, PVCs may weaken your heart and increase your risk for heart failure.

The rhythm of your heart is usually controlled by a bundle of fibers located in the upper right part of your heart. This is called the sinoatrial nerve, or SA. Electrical signals are transmitted from there to the lower heart chambers, or ventricles.

Causes

PVCs happen by the electrical impulse that normally starts your heartbeat at the Sinus Node (also known as the Sinoatrial or SA node) does not. The impulse actually begins in the ventricles, which 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 is like it is fluttering. They may occur infrequently and not cause any symptoms, but they can also happen frequently enough to impact your quality of life. Your doctor may prescribe medicine in the event that they are frequent or cause dizziness, weakness or fatigue.

PVCs are generally harmless and do not increase the risk of heart disease. Over time, repeated PVCs can weaken the heart muscle. This is especially when the PVCs are caused by conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic right ventricle cardiomyopathy which could lead to heart failure.

The signs of PVCs include a feeling that your heart skips a beat or is fluttering, and you feel exhausted. The fluttering could be more evident when you exercise or eat or drink certain beverages or foods. PVCs are more prevalent in those suffering from chronic anxiety or stress. Certain drugs, like digoxin, amiodarone or cocaine, can increase the risk of developing PVCs.

If you experience occasional PVCs, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and medicines. If they're a frequent occurrence, you may need to avoid some drinks and foods, such as caffeine and alcohol. You can also take steps to lessen your stress, and get plenty of sleep and exercise.

If you have many PVCs Your doctor may recommend a medical procedure referred to as radiofrequency catheter ablation. This procedure eliminates the cells that are responsible for them. This procedure is performed by a specialist, known as an electrophysiologist. It is usually effective in treating PVCs and reducing symptoms, but it doesn't stop them from recurring in the future. In some cases it can increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib) which is a condition that can cause stroke. It's not common, but it can be life-threatening.

Symptoms

Premature ventricular contractions or PVCs may cause your heart to skip or flutter. These extra heartbeats can be harmless, but you might need to see your doctor if they are frequent or if you are experiencing symptoms such as dizziness or fatigue.

the window doctor , electrical signals begin in the sinoatrial, located in the upper right part of the heart. They then travel to the lower chambers, or ventricles, which pump blood. The ventricles contract to propel blood into your lungs and return to the heart to begin the next pumping cycle. But a PVC starts 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 make the heart beat faster or feel as if it skipped a beat. If you have only a few episodes, and no other symptoms are present your cardiologist may not prescribe treatment. If you have many PVCs the doctor may suggest you undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor your heartbeat for a period of 24 hours. He or she might also suggest wearing a Holter Monitor, which records the heart's rhythm and count the number of PVCs.

People who have suffered an earlier heart attack or cardiomyopathy - a condition which affects the heart's blood flow - must take their PVCs seriously and consult a cardiologist about lifestyle changes. This includes cutting down on caffeine, alcohol and smoking, reducing anxiety and stress, and getting enough rest. A cardiologist may also prescribe medication to slow the heartbeat such as beta blockers.

Even if you don't have any other symptoms, you should still get PVCs checked by a cardiologist if they happen often. These extra heartbeats may signal a problem with the structure of your heart or lungs and if they happen often enough, they can weaken your heart muscle. However, most people with PVCs do not experience any issues. They simply want to be aware that the fluttering and racing heartbeats aren't normal.

Diagnosis

PVCs may feel like heartbeats that are fluttering, particularly if they're frequent and intense. Patients who have a lot of them may feel they're about to faint. They can also happen with exercising, but most athletes who get them don't have any problems with their health or heart. PVCs can be detected in tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitor. These patches contain sensors which record electrical impulses that come from your heart. A cardiologist could also employ an echocardiogram that uses ultrasound to look at the heart and see how it's functioning.

A doctor is often able to tell the presence of PVCs by examining them and taking their medical history. Sometimes, they may only be able to detect them when they examine the patient for other reasons, for instance after a surgery or accident. Ambulatory ECG monitors can detect PVCs and other arrhythmias. They can be used to detect heart disease if there is any reason to be concerned.

If your cardiologist concludes that your heart is structurally healthy, reassurance might be all that's needed. If your symptoms are bothersome or make you feel anxious, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and other decongestants and reducing stress may help. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and drinking enough fluids can all help to reduce the frequency of PVCs. If your symptoms are persistent or extreme, consult your physician about the medications that could be able to reduce the symptoms.

Treatment

If PVCs are rare or don't cause symptoms, they rarely require treatment. If they are frequent your doctor may need to examine for heart conditions or recommend lifestyle adjustments. You could also undergo a procedure (called radiofrequency cathode ablation) to get rid them.





When you have PVCs the electrical signal that triggers your heartbeat is generated from a place other than the sinoatrial node (SA node) in the top right side of your heart. This can cause your heart to feel like it skips beats or has extra beats. They're more common among people suffering from heart disease however, it's not clear the reason behind them. PVCs are more frequent as you age, and may occur more frequently during exercise.

If a patient is experiencing frequent and painful PVCs, a physician should perform an ECG and an echocardiogram to rule out structural heart disease. The doctor may also conduct an exercise stress test in order to determine if the extra heartbeats are due to physical activity. A heart catheterization, cardiac MRI or nuclear perfusion studies can be performed to find other reasons for the additional beats.

The majority of people who suffer from PVCs don't experience any complications and can lead an ordinary life. They can increase the risk of developing dangerous heart rhythm disorders particularly if they develop in certain patterns. In certain cases, it means that your heart muscle gets weaker and has trouble pumping blood through your body.

A healthy, regular diet and a lot of exercise can help reduce your risk of developing PVCs. Avoid foods that are high in fat and sodium as well as limit caffeine and tobacco. Sleep and stress are equally crucial. Certain medicines can also increase your risk for PVCs. If you're taking one of these drugs, it's important to follow your doctor's instructions about eating well, exercising and taking your medication.

In studies of patients suffering from high PVC burdens (more than 20% of heartbeats), a higher rate arrhythmia-induced myopathy in the heart was observed. Some people may need a heart transplant.