Why It's Important to See a Doctor
Premature ventricular contractures (PVCs), are a type of irregular heartbeat. These extra beats are usually not dangerous and may disappear on their own.
To determine PVC Doctors will listen to your heartbeat and look for other vital signs. They may also order an Holter Monitor which records the electrical impulses generated by your heart over a time of 24 to 48 hours. They may also order blood tests for checking your thyroid hormones and electrolyte levels.
Diagnosis
PVCs are caused by electrical impulses coming from the heart's lower chambers, or ventricles, misfire through a structure known as the SA node. This causes the next heartbeat to be delayed, causing an experience similar to racing or skipped beats. PVCs can be seen in one pattern or in repeated patterns. Two consecutive PVCs are referred to as doublets, whereas three or more consecutive PVCs are referred to as the term ventricular tachycardia (VT).
Some people have no symptoms, but others experience heart palpitations. This can feel like the sound of a beating heart or a rapid heartbeat. Other symptoms that are common are fatigue or dizziness, or a feeling of being sick.
Many people who experience occasional PVCs don't need any treatment. If a person has frequent episodes, doctors may recommend a change in the way of life or diet, such as limiting caffeine, alcohol and stress. They can also prescribe medications such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers which can lower the heart rate and lower blood pressure.
Doctors will ask the patient about their medical history and conduct an examination to check on their general health. They may also use an electrocardiogram (ECG) to take an image of the heart's electrical activity, or a Holter monitor which is worn for longer periods and records the heart's rhythms over time. In certain instances, doctors may order blood tests to determine if there is an electrolyte imbalance or toxic effects from drugs.
A pvc physician may refer a patient to an electrophysiologist or specialist in heart rhythm disorders for further examination. The doctor can confirm a diagnosis of PVCs, and determine whether they are malignant or benign.
PVCs can be found everywhere and are not usually harmful unless they are used frequently or for a long period of time. This could lead to a weakening of the heart muscle, or a condition referred to as pvc-induced cardiomyopathy. This is more prevalent in older adults or people suffering from heart disease. It can also happen to healthy people with normal, normal hearts. However, it's more common in those who exercise regularly. It's not a serious concern, but it is important to tell a doctor if you notice symptoms such as fainting or fatigue.
Treatment
PVCs are not harmful or cause any symptoms in the majority of people. They don't require treatment. But those who do experience a sensation like their heart has skipped the beat or is racing, it's crucial to speak to a doctor as soon as you can.
A cardiologist will then interview you and perform a physical examination, listening to your heart with a stethoscope to detect any irregular beats. You'll also get an electrocardiogram (ECG) performed that records the electrical impulses in your heart and reveal any arrhythmias. If an arrhythmia is detected it is recommended to have you will require a 24-hour Holter monitor or other portable ECG is required to record the irregular rhythm over longer durations of time. These devices will help doctors determine if you suffer from PVCs and the reason behind them, like an electrolyte imbalance or drug toxicities, or other causes.
An echocardiogram, an ultrasound of your heart, may be ordered to determine whether your heart is healthy and to look for signs of structural problems that could lead to PVCs. You could also have a stress test to see how your heart reacts to exercise, since physical activity can increase the frequency of your pvcs. You can also get blood tests to test your thyroid hormone as well as potassium, magnesium and other hormones to see whether they're insufficient. This can lead to PVCs.
If your doctor has confirmed that you suffer from PVCs, and has ruled any serious illnesses out, the treatment option you choose depends on how they impact your life and how frequently they occur. If they happen only infrequently and do not cause any symptoms the doctor is not likely to recommend any medication to reduce their frequency or severity.
If, however, you suffer from frequent PVCs that do cause palpitations and other symptoms, like lightheadedness or feeling like you're going to faint, your doctor might suggest medication, such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers. Making changes to your lifestyle in order to avoid triggers, like smoking, caffeine, and excessive stress, can also aid in reducing the frequency of instances of these abnormal pulses.
The following is a list of preventions.
PVCs can cause no symptoms or heart palpitations, which can be described as "skipped beats" or flutters in the chest. These episodes can cause a feeling of pressure or fullness, or make you feel faint. These episodes occur because the heart isn't pumping as effectively as normal. PVCs are associated with a higher chance of developing dilated cardiomyopathy. This is a condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and is unable to pump blood.
PVCs are usually caused by changes in the body's chemistry. They can be caused by the release of adrenaline and thyroid hormones, in addition to drinking alcohol or caffeine. Stress or excess weight, as well as an insufficient amount of exercise can trigger these episodes.
Certain people find that a change in their diet helps to reduce their PVCs. They can, for example avoid foods that contain preservatives which could cause disturbances to the heart rhythm. These include disodium guanylate and diazole, and disodium Inosinate sodium (E282-283). Consume more fruits and vegetables to get enough magnesium.
Regular health checks are essential as are annual physicals. These tests can help identify any underlying heart conditions which could be causing your PVCs. It is also recommended to adhere to an appropriate diet and refrain from smoking, which can increase the frequency of your episodes.
A survey of 14 regular hospital wards showed that healthcare staff were generally aware of preventive measures against infections caused by vascular catheters, however their self-assessment of conformity to these practices was low. After a feedback intervention that improved compliance on certain wards, but it was still not as high. This suggests that education is required to implement preventive measures and that wards that are less conforming should be targeted for monitoring of infection. This information could be used to guide the implementation of further quality improvement initiatives on these wards. It is likely that this will require further education and training for staff. It will also mean making sure that the appropriate materials are in place for the implementation of the preventive measures.
Signs and symptoms
Premature ventricular contractions can cause your heartbeat to skip beats or be fluttering. These arrhythmias may be harmless or they could be a sign of serious heart problems.
In healthy people, occasional PVCs aren't a problem, and they usually disappear by themselves. If you're suffering from many of them, they could lead to dizziness or weakness. If you're worried about them, consult your doctor about the symptoms. They may need to determine the problem by taking an medical history and giving you a physical exam. They might also need to conduct an electrocardiogram, or other tests.
An ECG is a quick test that allows your health care provider observe the signal generated by your heartbeat as it moves through your heart over the course of a brief duration. The test will reveal if
