How a VC Can Affect Your Heart
PVCs are commonplace and can be experienced by many people without causing any issues. If they happen frequently, PVCs may weaken your heart and increase your chance of suffering from heart failure.
The rhythm of your heart is usually controlled by a group of fibers located in the upper right-hand part of your heart. This is known as the sinoatrial nerve, or SA. Electrical signals travel to the ventricles or lower chambers of your heart.
Causes
PVCs happen when the electrical impulse that normally initiates your heartbeat in a part called the sinus node (also known as the sinoatrial node or SA node) does not. Instead, the impulse starts in a different part of your heart--the ventricles--and causes a wrongly timed beat. These extra beats, called ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, may feel like your heart skipped a beat or is like it is fluttering. They can occur rarely without causing any symptoms, but they could occur frequently enough to affect your standard 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 heart disease. Frequent PVCs however, may weaken your heart muscle over time. This is especially relevant if the PVCs are triggered by an illness 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 could be more apparent when you exercise or eat or drink certain foods or beverages. PVCs are more common in people with chronic anxiety or stress. Some medications, like digoxin, amiodarone and cocaine, can also increase their risk.
If you experience occasional PVCs your doctor might suggest lifestyle changes and medication. If you experience frequent PVCs, your doctor might suggest that you stay away from certain foods and drinks, such as alcohol and caffeine. You can also reduce your stress, and make sure you get enough sleep and exercise.
If you've got a lot of PVCs Your doctor might suggest a medical procedure called radiofrequency catheter ablation. It eliminates the cells that are responsible for them. This procedure is performed by a specialist, known as an electrophysiologist. It is usually successful in treating the PVCs and reducing symptoms but it doesn't stop them from recurring in the future. In certain instances, it can increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib), which can result in stroke. This is rare but it could be life-threatening.
Symptoms
Premature ventricular contractions or PVCs, can make your heart seem to flutter or skip a beat. These heartbeats can be harmless, but it is important to talk to your doctor if you have frequent episodes or signs like dizziness or weakness.
The electrical signals normally begin in the sinoatrial area, which is located in the upper right-hand part of the heart. They then move to the lower chambers, or ventricles, that pump blood. The ventricles contract to propel blood into your lungs and then return to your heart to start the next pumping cycle. A PVC begins at a different spot, the Purkinje fibres bundle at the left side of the heart.
When PVCs occur, they cause the heart beat or feel like it skipped a beat. If you have only just a few episodes and no other symptoms are present your cardiologist may not prescribe treatment. However, if you have lot of PVCs, the doctor may recommend an electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, to measure your heart rate over a 24-hour period. They might also recommend wearing a Holter monitor that records the heart's rhythm over time to determine how many PVCs you have.
If you've had a prior heart attack or have cardiomyopathy -an illness that alters the way the heart pumps blood should take their PVCs seriously and consult an expert in cardiology about lifestyle changes. Those include avoiding caffeine, alcohol and smoking, reducing anxiety and stress, and ensuring adequate sleep. A cardiologist may prescribe medication to slow heartbeat, like a beta blocker.
If you have frequent PVCs even if you don't have any other symptoms you should see an expert in cardiology. These heartbeats that are irregular can point to problems with the structure of your heart or other health conditions and, over time when they happen frequently enough, they may weaken the heart muscle. But most people suffering from PVCs don't have any issues. They are interested in knowing if the irregular heartbeats or fluttering is normal.
Diagnosis
PVCs can be akin to heartbeats that are fluttering, particularly if they're frequent and intense. People who experience them often may feel faint. They can also occur with exercising, but most athletes who get them don't have issues with their heart or health. PVCs could show up in tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitor. These use sticky patches with sensors to record electrical impulses from your heart. A cardiologist may also use an ultrasound echocardiogram to study the heart.
the window doctor www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk of the time, a doctor will be able to determine if a person has PVCs from a patient's history and physical exam. Sometimes, they may not be aware of them until they examine the patient for different reasons, like following an accident or surgery. Ambulatory ECG monitoring systems can aid in detecting PVCs and other arrhythmias and can be used when there is a concern of cardiac disease.
If your cardiologist finds that your heart's structure is normal, reassurance will be the only treatment required. If your symptoms are troubling or make you feel anxious, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and other decongestants as well as reducing stress levels can help. Engaging in regular exercise, keeping at a healthy weight, and drinking enough fluids can reduce your episodes of PVCs. If you are experiencing symptoms that are persistent or severe, speak to your doctor about medications that may be able to reduce the symptoms.
Treatment
If PVCs aren't common or don't cause symptoms, they don't usually need treatment. If you are frequently affected or frequently, your doctor may wish to look for other heart conditions and recommend lifestyle changes or medications. You could also have a procedure to get rid of them (called radiofrequency catheter ablation).
If you suffer from PVCs in your heart, the electrical signal which triggers your heartbeat starts somewhere different than the sinoatrial (SA) node located in the upper right corner of your heart. This can cause your heart to feel as if it skips a beating or has additional beats. PVCs are more frequent among those who suffer from heart issues however it's unclear the reason behind them. PVCs can become more frequent as you age, and may be more frequent during exercises.
A doctor should perform an ECG along with an echocardiogram for a patient who suffers from frequent and painful PVCs to identify structural heart conditions. The doctor will also perform an exercise stress test in order to determine if the increased heartbeats are caused by physical exercise. A heart catheterization, cardiac MRI or nuclear perfusion study can be conducted to determine other causes for the extra beats.
Most people who suffer from PVCs do not suffer from any problems and can enjoy a normal lifestyle. But they can increase your risk of having dangerous heart rhythm issues particularly if you have certain patterns of them. In certain cases, it means the heart muscle gets weaker and is unable to pump blood through your body.
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can lower your chances of developing PVCs. You should avoid foods that are high in fat and sodium, and you should also limit caffeine and tobacco. You should also try to get enough rest and reduce stress. Some medicines can also increase the risk of developing PVCs. If you take any of these medications, it is important that you follow your doctor's recommendations regarding eating a healthy diet, exercising, and taking your medication.
In studies of patients suffering from PVC burdens that are high (more than 20% of total heartbeats), a higher rate arrhythmia-induced cardiac myopathy was discovered. This can lead to a need for a heart transplant in some people.