How a VC Can Affect Your Heart

A lot of people experience occasional PVCs without any problems. If they are frequent, PVCs may weaken your heart and increase your risk of heart failure.

The heart's rhythm is usually controlled by a group of fibers that are located in the upper right-hand corner of your heart. This is called the sinoatrial node, or SA. Electrical signals are transmitted to the lower heart chambers or ventricles.

Causes

PVCs are caused when the electrical impulse that typically starts your heartbeat in a part called the sinus node (also known as the sinoatrial or SA node) doesn't. Instead, the impulse is generated in a different area of your heart--the ventricles--and causes an untimed beat. These extra beats are also known as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. It may feel like the heart skipped a beating or feels like it is fluttering. They can happen infrequently without causing any symptoms, but they may also happen frequently enough to affect your quality of life. If they are very frequent or cause dizziness, weakness or fatigue, your upvc window doctor may treat them with medicine.

For most people, PVCs are harmless and aren't likely to increase your risk of heart disease or other health issues. Over time, frequent PVCs can weaken the heart muscle. This is especially relevant if the PVCs are caused by a condition like dilated cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic right ventricle cardiomyopathy that could lead to heart failure.

The signs of PVCs include a feeling that your heart beats slower or is fluttering, and you feel breathless. The fluttering can be more evident when you exercise or consume certain foods or drinks. PVCs are more prevalent in those suffering from chronic anxiety or stress. Certain drugs, like digoxin, amiodarone, and cocaine, can also increase the risk.

If you have occasional PVCs, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes and medications. If they're a frequent occurrence, you may have to avoid some drinks and foods, such as alcohol and caffeine. You can also take steps to reduce your stress levels, and make sure you get enough sleep and exercise.

If you have a lot of PVCs, your doctor may suggest a medical procedure called radiofrequency catheter ablation. This procedure eliminates the cells that are responsible for them. This is done by a specialist, known as an electrophysiologist. It is generally effective in treating PVCs and reducing symptoms but it doesn't stop them from recurring in the future. In some cases it may increase your risk of having atrial fibrillation (AFib) which could lead to a stroke. It's not common, but it can be life-threatening.

Signs and symptoms

Premature ventricular contractures PVCs, also known as PVCs, can cause your heart to skip or to flutter. These extra heartbeats are harmless, but you may need to see your doctor in the event of frequent heartbeats or if you experience symptoms like dizziness, or fatigue.

Normaly, electrical signals begin in the sinoatrial region, which is in the upper right coe structure of your heart or lungs and if they occur often enough, they can weaken the heart muscle. However, most people suffering from PVCs don't experience any problems. They are interested in knowing if the fluttering heartbeats or skipping heartbeats is normal.

Diagnosis

PVCs may feel like heartbeats that are fluttering especially if they are frequent and intense. People who experience them regularly may feel faint. Exercise can trigger PVCs, but a lot of athletes who suffer from them have no heart or health problems. PVCs could show up in tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitor. These are sticky patches that have sensors to record electrical impulses coming from your heart. A cardiologist can also perform an ultrasound echocardiogram to examine the heart.

Often, a doctor will be able to identify if someone is suffering from PVCs through a medical history and physical examination. But sometimes they might only be able to detect them when they examine the patient for other reasons, for instance after a surgery or accident. Ambulatory ECG monitoring systems also aid in detecting PVCs and other arrhythmias, and could be utilized if there's any concern of cardiac disease.

If your cardiologist determines that your heart is structurally normal, reassurance will be the only remedy required. If your symptoms are causing you discomfort or make you feel anxious, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and other over the drug decongestants and reducing stress may help. Regular exercise, being at a healthy weight, and drinking enough fluids can reduce your episodes of PVCs. If the symptoms persist or are severe, talk with your physician about possible treatments that could help control the symptoms.

Treatment

If PVCs do not cause any symptoms or are not frequent, they usually don't need treatment. If they occur frequently your doctor may be able to look for heart conditions or recommend lifestyle adjustments. You may also undergo an intervention to get rid of them (called radiofrequency catheter ablation).

When you have PVCs the electrical signal that triggers your heartbeat is generated from a place different than the sinoatrial nerve (SA node) in the top right side of your heart. This can cause your heart to feel like it skips beats or has additional beats. PVCs are more frequent among those suffering from heart disease however, it's not clear the reason behind them. PVCs can increase in frequency with age and might happen more frequently during exercise.

If a patient is experiencing frequent and painful PVCs doctors should perform an ECG and an echocardiogram to rule out heart disease that is structural. They will probably also do an exercise stress test to determine if the extra beats are caused by physical activity. To determine whether there are any other causes for the increased beats, a heart catheterization or a cardiac MRI could be conducted.

The majority of people with PVCs do not suffer from any complications and can lead a normal lifestyle. But they can increase the risk of developing dangerous heart rhythm problems, especially if you have certain patterns of them. In some cases, that means the heart muscle gets weaker and has trouble pumping blood through your body.

Regular exercise and a balanced diet will lower your chances of developing PVCs. Avoid foods high in fat and sodium, and limit your intake of tobacco and caffeine. Sleep and stress are equally important. Certain medications can increase your risk of getting PVCs. If you take any of these medicines it is essential that you follow your doctor's recommendations about eating healthy, exercising, and taking your medication.

Studies of patients suffering from an excessive amount of PVCs (that's more than 20% of their total heart beats) discovered that they had a higher risk of arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy. Some patients may require a heart transplant.