Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are irregular heartbeats. They start in the ventricles instead of the sinoatrial (SA) node. These can lead to feelings like heart palpitations and an irregular heartbeat.
Several things can cause PVCs. These include issues like reduced blood flow to the heart and stress. They can happen to people with or without heart conditions. But, they’re often found in those with heart health problems.
To diagnose PVCs, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is usually used. More tests might be needed to understand what’s causing them. Treatments vary based on how often symptoms happen and how bad they are. They can range from medicine to stem cell therapy for the worst cases.
Key Takeaways:
- PVCs are abnormal heartbeats that arise from the ventricles instead of the SA node.
- Common symptoms of PVCs include heart palpitations, arrhythmia, ectopic beats, and an irregular heartbeat.
- PVCs can be caused by various factors, including reduced blood flow to the heart, heart attack, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, electrolyte imbalances, and stress or anxiety.
- Diagnosis of PVCs is typically done through an electrocardiogram (ECG).
- Treatment options for PVCs vary depending on the frequency and severity of symptoms and can include medications, catheter ablation, or stem cell therapy for more severe cases.
Common symptoms and risk factors of PVCs
Many people with PVCs don’t feel them. But sometimes, you might feel:
- Heart palpitations: A fast, fluttering, or pounding heart.
- Skipped heartbeat: Feeling like your heart missed a beat.
- Dizziness: Getting light-headed or close to fainting.
- Pounding sensation in the neck: Neck throbs from the irregular heartbeats.
People with certain heart issues may notice their PVCs more. This includes:
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure raises PVC symptoms risks.
- Heart attack: A past heart attack can make PVCs symptoms worse.
- Heart disease: Heart issues like arrhythmias can also make PVCs feel stronger.
Some factors can make PVCs more likely. These are:
- Advanced age: PVCs are more common as you get older, especially past 60.
- Electrolyte imbalances: Wrong electrolyte levels like potassium can start PVCs.
- Increased stress or anxiety: Stress and anxiety can also bring on PVCs.
PVCs often aren’t a big problem. But if they happen a lot or for a long time, they can. Talking to a doctor is key for those with frequent PVCs. This helps in getting the right care.
Diagnosis and treatment options for PVCs
Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) start in the heart’s ventricles, causing irregular heartbeats. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can spot them. This test is easy and shows if your heart has a funny rhythm. Sometimes a Holter monitor helps by checking your heart all day to catch PVCs that the ECG might miss.
How often you get PVCs and how bad they make you feel guides your treatment. If the PVCs don’t happen a lot, or if you don’t feel them, you likely won’t need treatment. But, if they bother you or are frequent, your doctor might suggest certain medicines. Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers help control your heart’s rhythm. You might get antiarrhythmic drugs to stop the irregular heartbeats.
If things are more serious, your doctor might talk about a catheter ablation. With this treatment, they use heat or cold to fix the heart area causing PVCs. This should help your heart go back to the right rhythm and lower the PVCs. For folks with tough-to-treat PVCs, stem cell therapy is a new option. It uses stem cells to help your heart heal and maybe have fewer PVCs.