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 located in the upper right-hand corner of your heart (the sinoatrial, or SA, node) typically controls your heart's rhythm. Electrical signals travel from this node 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 called the Sinoatrial or SA node) is not initiated. Instead, the impulse is generated in another area of your heart, the ventricles, and causes an untimed beat. These extra beats are also called ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. It could feel as if the heart beats faster or feels fluttering. They can occur infrequently and have no symptoms or they may occur frequently enough to impact your daily life. If they occur frequently or cause weakness, dizziness or fatigue, your doctor may treat them with medicine.
In most people, PVCs are harmless and don't increase your risk of heart disease or other health issues. Frequent PVCs however, may weaken the heart muscle over time. This is particularly relevant if the PVCs are triggered by an illness like dilated Cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic right ventricle cardiomyopathy that can cause heart failure.
PVCs can cause symptoms, such as a sensation of your heart skipping one beat, or even the feeling of your heart fluttering. You may also feel breathless. window doctors near me Repair My Windows And Doors fluttering may be more apparent when you exercise or have certain drinks or food items. PVCs are more prevalent in those suffering from chronic anxiety or stress. Some drugs, like digoxin, amiodarone and cocaine, can also increase the risk.
If you experience occasional PVCs, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes and medication. If they are a frequent occurrence, you may have to stay clear of certain foods and beverages, such as caffeine and alcohol. You can also take steps to reduce your stress, and take advantage of plenty of rest and exercise.
If you've got a lot of PVCs Your doctor may suggest a medical procedure known as radiofrequency catheter ablation, which eliminates the cells that are responsible for them. The procedure is carried out by a specialist known as an electrophysiologist. It is typically successful in treating the PVCs and reducing symptoms, but it doesn't stop them from occurring in the future. In certain instances, it can increase the risk of having atrial fibrillation (AFib), an illness that can lead to stroke. It's not common, but it can be life-threatening.
Symptoms
Premature ventricular contractions or PVCs, can make your heart seem to skip or flutter the beat. These extra heartbeats are usually harmless, but it is important to talk to your doctor in case you experience frequent episodes or symptoms like dizziness or weakness.
The electrical signals normally begin in the sinoatrial area, which is located in the upper right-hand corner of the heart. They then move to the lower chambers, or ventricles, that pump blood. The ventricles expand to force blood into the lungs. They return to the heart's center to start the next cycle of pumping. But a PVC begins at a different spot, from the bundle of fibers called the Purkinje fibers, located in the left-hand side of the heart.
When PVCs occur, they cause the heart beat or feel like it skipped the beat. If you have only a few episodes, but no other symptoms, the cardiologist probably won't treat you. However, if you have lot of PVCs the doctor may recommend an electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG to gauge your heartbeat over the course of 24 hours. He or she may also recommend wearing a Holter monitor that will track your heart rhythm over time, allowing you to see the number of PVCs you have.
Anyone who has suffered a heart attack in the past or have cardiomyopathy -an illness that affects how the heart pumps blood- must be aware of their PVCs and speak with an expert in cardiology about lifestyle changes. These include cutting down on caffeine, alcohol and smoking, reducing stress and anxiety, as well as getting enough rest. A cardiologist may prescribe beta blockers to slow the heartbeat.
If you have frequent PVCs even if do not have other symptoms, you should consult an expert in cardiology. These irregular heartbeats could indicate a problem in the structure of your heart or lungs, and if they occur frequently enough, can weaken the heart muscle. The majority of people with PVCs do not have any issues. They just want to be aware that the fluttering and skipping heartbeats aren't normal.
Diagnosis
PVCs can feel like heartbeats that are fluttering especially if they are frequent and intense. People who experience them frequently may feel weak. They can also occur during training, even though many athletes who suffer from them don't have issues with their health or heart. PVCs may show up in tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitor. These use sticky patches with sensors to record electrical impulses coming from your heart. A cardiologist could also employ an echocardiogram, which uses ultrasound to look at the heart and determine how it's functioning.
Often, a doctor will be able to identify if a person has PVCs from a history and physical exam. 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 monitors are able to detect PVCs, as well as other arrhythmias. They may be used to identify cardiac problems in the event of any concerns.
If your cardiologist determines your heart is structurally healthy, reassurance could be all that's needed. If your symptoms are troubling or make you feel anxious, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and over-the prescription decongestants, as well as the reduction of stress could help. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight and drinking enough fluids can all help reduce the frequency of PVCs. If you are experiencing symptoms that are persistent or extreme, consult your physician about the medications that could help control them.
Treatment
If PVCs are rare or don't cause symptoms, they do not usually need treatment. If they happen frequently your doctor may need to examine for heart conditions or recommend lifestyle adjustments. You may also undergo an intervention to get rid of them (called radiofrequency catheter ablation).
If you have PVCs, the electrical signal that causes your heartbeat begins somewhere other than the sinoatrial node (SA node) in the top right part of your heart. This can make it feel like your heart skips a beat or has a few extra beats. It's unclear what causes these symptoms, but they're frequent in those with other heart problems. PVCs can become more frequent as you age, and might occur more frequently during exercise.
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. The doctor may also perform an exercise stress test in order to determine if the increased heartbeats are due to physical activity. A heart catheterization or cardiac MRI or nuclear perfusion studies can be done to look for other causes for the extra beats.
Most people with PVCs have no complications and can lead the normal life. They can increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythm disorders particularly if they develop in certain patterns. In some instances, this means that your heart muscle gets weaker and has trouble pumping blood through your body.
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can lower your chances of developing PVCs. Avoid foods that are high in fat and sodium as well as restrict your intake of tobacco and caffeine. It is also important to get enough rest and manage stress. Certain medicines can also increase your risk of PVCs. So if you take one of these drugs it is important to follow the doctor's advice regarding eating healthy, exercising and taking your medication.
In studies of patients suffering from PVC burdens that are high (more than 20% of the total heartbeats), a higher rate arrhythmia-induced myopathy in the heart was observed. Certain people may require an organ transplant.