How a VC Can Affect Your Heart

Many people have occasional PVCs without any problems. If they occur often, PVCs may weaken your heart and increase your risk of heart failure.

The rhythm of your heart is controlled by a group of fibers that are located in the upper right part of your heart. This is known as the sinoatrial nerve, or SA. Electrical signals travel to lower heart chambers or ventricles.

Causes

PVCs occur when the electrical impulse that usually initiates your heartbeat in a region called the sinus node (also called the sinoatrial or SA node) isn't. The impulse actually begins in the ventricles and causes an irregular heartbeat. These extra beats, known as ventricular tachycardia, or ventricular fibrillation, may feel like 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 can occur frequently enough to affect your daily life. Your doctor may prescribe medicine in the event that they are frequent or cause dizziness, weakness or fatigue.

PVCs are generally harmless and don't increase your risk of heart disease. Frequent PVCs, however, can weaken the heart muscle over time. This is particularly the case if they are caused by a heart condition such as dilated cardiomyopathy or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy which could lead to symptoms of 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 might also feel exhausted. The fluttering may be more evident if you exercise, or consume certain drinks or foods. PVCs are more prevalent for those who suffer from chronic anxiety or stress. Some medications, like digoxin, amiodarone, and cocaine, can also increase the risk.

If you have occasional PVCs Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and medicines. If they are a frequent occurrence, you may need to avoid certain foods and beverages, such as alcohol and caffeine. You can also reduce your stress levels, and get plenty of sleep and exercise.

If you've got a lot of PVCs Your upvc doctor near me 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. The treatment is generally successful in treating PVCs which reduce symptoms, but it does not stop them from recurring in the future. In some cases it can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib), which can lead to stroke. This is rare, but it can be life-threatening.

Symptoms

Premature ventricular contractures, or PVCs can cause your heart to skip or be fluttering. These extra heartbeats can be harmless, but you may be advised to consult your physician when they occur frequently or if you experience symptoms such as dizziness or fatigue.

The electrical signals typically begin in the sinoatrial node located in the top right-hand side of the heart, and descend to the lower chambers (or ventrequently may feel weak. They can also happen with exercising, but most athletes who experience them don't have any problems with their health or heart. PVCs can be detected on tests such as an electrocardiogram or Holter monitor. They use sticky patches with sensors on them to record electrical impulses from your heart. A cardiologist could also employ an ultrasound echocardiogram for examining the heart.

A doctor can often tell the presence of PVCs by looking at them and taking a medical history. Sometimes, however, they may not be aware of PVCs until they examine a patient for another reason, like following an accident or surgical procedure. Ambulatory ECG monitoring systems can assist in detecting PVCs and other arrhythmias and could be utilized when there is a concern of a cardiac condition.

If your cardiologist concludes that your heart is structurally healthy, reassurance might be all that's needed. If your symptoms are troubling or cause you to feel anxious, staying away from alcohol, caffeine and other decongestants as well as reducing stress levels can aid. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and drinking enough fluids can help reduce the frequency of PVCs. If your symptoms are persistent or severe, speak to your doctor about medications that could help reduce the symptoms.

Treatment

If PVCs do not cause any symptoms or are not frequent generally, they don't require treatment. If you are frequently affected or frequently, your doctor may wish to check for any other heart problems and suggest lifestyle changes or medicine. You may also undergo a procedure (called radiofrequency cathode ablation) to eliminate them.

If you suffer from PVCs in your heart the electrical signal that creates your heartbeat is located outside of the sinoatrial (SA) node that is located in the upper right-hand corner of your heart. This could cause your heart to feel like it skips a beating or has additional beats. They're more common among people suffering from heart disease however, it's not clear the reason behind them. PVCs may increase in frequency as you age, and they could be more frequent during exercise.

If a patient experiences frequent and painful PVCs, a physician should perform an ECG and an echocardiogram to determine if there is a structural heart problem. They may also perform an exercise stress test to see whether the additional beats are a result of physical activity. To determine if there are other causes for the extra beatings an invasive heart catheterization or cardiac MRI is possible.

The majority of people with PVCs don't experience any problems and can enjoy a normal lifestyle. However, they can increase your risk of having dangerous heart rhythm problems particularly if you have certain patterns of them. In some cases this means that the heart muscle becomes weaker and it is more difficult to pump blood throughout your body.

A healthy, regular diet and regular 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 important. Certain medicines can also increase your risk of PVCs. If you are taking any of these medications, it is important that you follow your doctor's advice regarding healthy eating and exercising as well as taking your medication.

In studies of patients with PVC burdens that are high (more than 20% of total heartbeats), a higher rate arrhythmia-induced cardiac myopathy was discovered. This can lead to the need for a transplant in a few people.