How a VC Can Affect Your Heart
A lot of people experience occasional PVCs and have no issues. If they happen frequently, PVCs may weaken your heart and increase the chance of suffering from heart failure.
A bundle of fibers in the top right portion of your heart (the sinoatrial or SA node) typically controls the heart's rhythm. Electrical signals are transmitted from there to the lower heart chambers or ventricles.
Causes
PVCs happen by the electrical impulse that normally initiates your heartbeat at the Sinus Node (also known as the Sinoatrial or SA node) is not initiated. Instead, the impulse starts in a different area of your heart, the ventricles, and causes a mistimed beat. These extra beats, also called ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, can feel like your heart skipped a beat or feels like it is fluttering. They can happen infrequently and cause no symptoms, or they can occur frequently enough to impact your quality of life. Your doctor may prescribe medication in the event that they are frequent or cause weakness, dizziness or fatigue.
PVCs are generally harmless and do not increase your risk of developing heart disease. Regular PVCs however, may weaken the heart muscle over time. This is especially true if they are caused by a heart-related condition such as dilated cardiomyopathy or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy which could lead to symptoms of heart failure.
The symptoms of PVCs include a feeling that your heart skips a beat or is fluttering, and you feel exhausted. The fluttering may be more evident when you exercise, or consume certain beverages or foods. PVCs are more common in those suffering from chronic anxiety or stress. Certain drugs, like digoxin, amiodarone, and cocaine, can increase the risk.
If you have occasional PVCs Your doctor might recommend lifestyle changes and medicines. If they are a regular occurrence, you may have to stay clear of certain foods and beverages, such as alcohol and caffeine. You can also reduce your stress and take advantage of plenty of rest and exercise.
If you're suffering from a lot of PVCs the doctor might recommend a medical treatment known as radiofrequency catheter ablation, which destroys the cells that are responsible for PVCs. The procedure is carried out by a specialist, known as an electrophysiologist. The treatment is typically effective in treating PVCs, reducing symptoms but does not prevent them from returning in the future. In certain cases, it can increase your risk of having atrial fibrillation (AFib) which can cause stroke. This is rare however it could be life-threatening.
Symptoms
Premature ventricular contracts or PVCs may cause your heart to skip or flutter. These extra heartbeats can be harmless, but you might need to see your doctor when they occur frequently or if you are experiencing symptoms such as dizziness or fatigue.
Normaly, electrical signals begin in the sinoatrial, located in the upper right-hand corner of the heart. They then travel to the lower chambers, or ventricles, that pump blood. The ventricles expand to force blood into the lung. They return to the heart's center to begin the next cycle of pumping. A PVC begins in a different place in the Purkinje fibres bundle in the bottom left of the heart.
When PVCs occur and the heart is affected, it may feel as if it's skipping a beat or pounding. If you experience a few episodes and no other symptoms, your doctor probably won't be able to treat you. But if you have a lot of PVCs, the doctor may recommend an electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, to measure your heart rate over a 24-hour period. The doctor might also recommend wearing a Holter monitor that will track your heartbeat over time, allowing you to see the number of PVCs you have.
Anyone who has suffered a heart attack in the past or suffer from cardiomyopathy -which affects the way that the heart pumps blood -and should take their PVCs seriously and consult an expert in cardiology about lifestyle changes. These include abstaining from caffeine, alcohol, and smoking, managing stress and anxiety, as well as getting enough rest. A cardiologist may prescribe beta blockers to slow down the heartbeat.
If you experience frequent PVCs, even if you do not have other symptoms, you should consult an expert in cardiology. These heartbeats that are irregular could signal a problem with the structure of your heart or lungs, and if they occur frequently enough, it could weaken your heart muscle. But most people suffering from PVCs do not experience any issues. They just want to be aware that the fluttering and racing heartbeats aren't normal.
Diagnosis
PVCs may feel like heartbeats that are fluttering especially if they are frequent and intense. Patients who have a lot of them may feel they're going to faint. They can also occur during exercise, though many athletes who experience them don't have issues in their heart or health. PVCs can be detected in tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitor. These are sticky patches that have sensors that record electrical signals from your heart. A cardiologist can also perform an ultrasound echocardiogram to study the heart.
Most of the time, a doctor will be able to determine if a person has 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, such as after an accident or surgery. Ambulatory ECG monitoring systems can assist in detecting PVCs and other arrhythmias and they might be used in the event of any suspicion of cardiac disease.
If your cardiologist concludes that your heart is structurally normal, reassurance will be the only treatment required. If your symptoms are troubling or cause you to feel anxious, staying away from caffeine, alcohol and over-the-counter decongestants and reducing stress can aid. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and drinking enough fluids can all help to reduce the frequency of PVCs. If the symptoms persist or are severe, speak with your physician about possible medication options to treat the symptoms.
Treatment
If PVCs aren't causing symptoms or occur rarely, they usually don't need treatment. If you have them often or frequently, your doctor may wish to look for other heart conditions and recommend lifestyle changes or medication. You may also undergo a procedure to get rid of them (called radiofrequency catheter ablation).
If you have PVCs, the electrical signal that causes your heartbeat is generated from a place different than the sinoatrial nerve (SA node) located in the upper right side of your heart. This can make it feel like your heart skips beats or is beating faster. PVCs are more prevalent among people with heart problems however it's unclear what causes them. PVCs are more likely to occur as you age, and may be more frequent during exercising.
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. The doctor will also conduct an exercise stress test to determine if the additional heartbeats are caused by physical exercise. To find out if there are other causes for the extra beats an invasive heart catheterization or a cardiac MRI could be conducted.
Most people with PVCs don't experience any complications and can lead an ordinary life. However, they may increase the risk of developing dangerous heart rhythm issues especially if you are suffering from certain patterns of them. In window doctor near me Repair My Windows And Doors , that means the heart muscle gets weaker and is unable to pump blood throughout your body.
A healthy and balanced diet and plenty of exercise can reduce your risk of developing PVCs. Avoid foods high in sodium and fat, and limit your consumption of caffeine and tobacco. Sleep and stress are equally crucial. Certain medicines can also increase your risk of PVCs. If you are taking any of these medicines, it is important that you follow the advice of your doctor regarding eating a healthy diet and exercising as well as taking your medication.
Studies of patients with a high amount of PVCs (that's more than 20 percent of their total heart beats) discovered that they had a higher rate of arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy. This can result in the need for a transplant in a few patients.