How a VC Can Affect Your Heart
Many people experience occasional PVCs with no problems. But if they occur frequently, PVCs can weaken your heart muscle and increase your risk of heart failure.
A bundle of fibers in the upper right part of your heart (the sinoatrial or SA node) typically controls your heart rhythm. Electrical signals travel from there to the lower heart chambers, or ventricles.
Causes
PVCs occur when the electrical impulse which normally initiates your heartbeat at the Sinus Node (also known as the Sinoatrial or the SA node) does not. Instead, the impulse begins in a different area of your heart--the ventricles--and causes an untimed beat. These extra beats are known as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. double glazing doctor near me could feel as if the heart skipped a beating or feels fluttering. They may occur infrequently and not cause any symptoms, but they could be frequent enough to affect your quality of living. If they happen frequently or cause dizziness, weakness, or fatigue, your doctor might treat them with medicine.
PVCs are generally harmless and do not increase your risk of developing heart disease. Frequent PVCs however, may weaken your heart muscle over time. This is particularly relevant if they are triggered by a heart disease such as dilated cardiomyopathy or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, which could lead to symptoms of heart failure.
PVCs can cause symptoms such as a feeling of your heart skipping an beat, or the feeling of your heart fluttering. It is also possible to feel breathless. The fluttering may be more apparent if you exercise, or eat or drink certain beverages or foods. PVCs are more prevalent for those who suffer from chronic stress or anxiety. Certain medications, such as digoxin, amiodarone, and cocaine, can increase the risk.
If you are experiencing occasional PVCs your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and medications. If they are a frequent occurrence, you may have to avoid some drinks and foods like alcohol and caffeine. You can also lessen stress by taking enough rest and working out.
If you have many PVCs Your doctor might suggest a medical procedure known as radiofrequency catheter ablation. This procedure eliminates the cells responsible for them. This is done by a specialist known as an electrophysiologist. It is typically successful in treating the PVCs and reducing symptoms however, it doesn't prevent them from recurring in the future. In some cases it can increase the risk of having atrial fibrillation (AFib) which is which can lead to stroke. It's not common, but it can be life-threatening.
Signs and symptoms
Premature ventricular contractions, also known as PVCs, may make your heart seem to skip or flutter a beat. These extra heartbeats are usually harmless, however, you should consult your physician if you have frequent episodes or other symptoms such as dizziness or weakness.
The electrical signals normally begin in the sinoatrial, located in the upper right-hand part of the heart. They then travel to the lower chambers, or ventricles, which pump blood. The ventricles contract to propel the blood into your lungs and then return to the heart and start the next pumping cycle. However, a PVC starts at a different spot, from the bundle of fibers, known as the Purkinje fibers, located in the lower left part of the heart.
When PVCs happen and the heart is affected, it may appear to be racing or pounding. If you have only a few episodes, but no other symptoms, your cardiologist probably won't treat you. However, if you have lot of PVCs, the doctor may suggest an electrocardiogram, or ECG to determine your heartbeat over the course of 24 hours. He or she may also recommend wearing a Holter monitor that records your heartbeat over time to see how many PVCs you have.
People who have suffered a heart attack in the past or suffer from cardiomyopathy -an illness that affects how the heart pumps blood must be aware of their PVCs and consult an expert in cardiology about lifestyle changes. These include cutting down on caffeine, alcohol and smoking, reducing anxiety and stress, and getting enough rest. A cardiologist might prescribe medication to slow the heartbeat for example, a beta blocker.
If you are experiencing frequent PVCs, even if you don't have any other signs, you should see a cardiologist. These heartbeats that are irregular can indicate problems with the structure of your heart or to other health conditions and, over time if they occur often enough, they can weaken the heart muscle. But the majority of people with PVCs don't experience any problems. They are interested in knowing if the irregular heartbeats or fluttering is normal.
Diagnosis
PVCs can be akin to heartbeats that flutter, particularly if they're frequent and intense. Patients who have a lot of them may feel they're going to faint. They can also happen with exercising, but most athletes who get them don't have any problems in their heart or health. PVCs could show up in tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitor. They have sensors that record electrical impulses from your heart. A cardiologist could also employ an echocardiogram that uses ultrasound to study the heart and determine how it's working.
Most of the time, a doctor will be able to identify if the patient has PVCs from a history and physical examination. Sometimes, however, they may only notice PVCs when examining the patient for another reason, such as after an accident or surgery. Ambulatory ECG monitoring systems can also assist in detecting PVCs and other arrhythmias and can be used if there's any concern of cardiac disease.
If your cardiologist concludes that your heart's structure is normal, reassurance will be the only remedy required. If your symptoms are troubling or make you be anxious, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and over-the counter decongestants, and decreasing stress can help. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, and drinking enough fluids can all aid in reducing the frequency of PVCs. If you are experiencing symptoms that are persistent or extreme, consult your doctor about medications that may be able to reduce these symptoms.
Treatment
If PVCs are rare or do not cause symptoms, they rarely need treatment. If they are frequent, your doctor might want to check for heart problems or suggest lifestyle modifications. 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 that causes your heartbeat begins somewhere outside of the sinoatrial (SA) node located in the upper right corner of your heart. This could cause your heart to feel like it skips beats or has additional beats. It's unclear what causes them, but they're more frequent in those with other heart issues. PVCs may increase in frequency as we age and can occur more frequently during exercise.
A physician should perform an ECG along with an echocardiogram for a patient who suffers from frequent and painful PVCs to determine if there are structural heart problems. The doctor will also likely conduct an exercise stress test to determine if the increased heartbeats are due to physical activity. To determine if there are other causes for the increased beats an invasive heart catheterization or a cardiac MRI could be conducted.
The majority of people with PVCs don't experience any complications and can lead a normal lifestyle. They could increase the risk of developing heart rhythm disorders that can be dangerous particularly if they happen in certain patterns. In some instances, this means that the heart muscle gets weaker and it is more difficult to pump blood throughout your body.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet can reduce your risk of developing PVCs. Avoid foods that are high in fat and sodium, and you should also limit caffeine and tobacco. Stress and sleep are also crucial. Certain medicines can also increase your risk for PVCs. If you take any of these medicines it is essential that you follow your doctor's recommendations regarding healthy eating exercising, as well as taking your medication.
In studies of patients suffering from PVC burdens that are high (more than 20% of total heartbeats) there was a higher incidence of arrhythmia-induced cardiac myopathy was found. This can lead to a need for a heart transplant in certain individuals.