How a VC Can Affect Your Heart

Many people have occasional PVCs and have no issues. 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-hand corner of your heart (the sinoatrial or SA node) typically controls the heart's rhythm. Electrical signals travel from this node to the lower chambers of your heart, or ventricles.

Causes

PVCs are caused when the electrical impulse which normally triggers your heartbeat at the Sinus Node (also called the Sinoatrial or SA node) does not. The impulse actually starts in the ventricles, which causes an untimed heartbeat. These extra beats are also called ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. It may feel like the heart skipped a beat or feels fluttering. They can occur infrequently and have no symptoms or they may occur frequently enough to affect your quality of life. If they are very frequent or cause dizziness, weakness or fatigue, your doctor sash Window repair may treat them with medicine.

PVCs are generally safe and do not increase your risk of developing heart disease. In time, frequent PVCs can weaken the heart muscle. This is especially the case if they are caused by a heart disease like dilated cardiomyopathy, or cheaper arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, which could lead to symptoms of heart failure.

PVCs can cause symptoms, such as a sensation of your heart racing an beat, or the feeling of your heart fluttering. You may also feel breathless. The fluttering could be more evident when you exercise or eat or drink certain foods or beverages. PVCs are more prevalent for those who suffer from chronic stress or anxiety. Certain medications, such as digoxin, amiodarone, and cocaine, can increase their risk.

If you experience occasional PVCs your doctor might suggest lifestyle changes and medication. If they are a frequent occurrence, you may have to stay clear of certain drinks and foods, such as caffeine and alcohol. You can also take steps to lessen your stress levels, and make sure you get enough sleep and exercise.

If you have a lot of PVCs Your doctor might suggest a medical procedure called radiofrequency catheter ablation, which destroys the cells that cause them. The procedure is carried out by a specialist, known as an electrophysiologist. It is usually successful in treating the PVCs and reducing symptoms however it does not stop them from recurring in the future. In certain instances, it can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib), which can result in stroke. This is rare but it could be life-threatening.

Symptoms

Premature ventricular contractions or louvred window Repair PVCs may cause your heart to skip or to flutter. These extra heartbeats are generally harmless, however, you should talk to your doctor if you have frequent episodes or signs like dizziness or weakness.

Normaly, electrical signals begin in the sinoatrial area, which is located in the upper right part of the heart. They then move to the lower chambers, also known as ventricles, which pump blood. The ventricles then contract to propel blood into the lungs, and then return to the heart to start the next cycle of pumping. But a PVC begins in a different location, from the bundle of fibers known as the Purkinje fibers in the bottom left portion of the heart.

When PVCs happen they can make the heart appear to be racing or pounding. If you experience just a few episodes but no other symptoms, the cardiologist probably won't treat you. If you've got a number of PVCs, the doctor may recommend an electrocardiogram, or ECG to gauge the heart's rate over 24 hours. They may also recommend wearing a Holter monitor that records your heartbeat over time to see how many PVCs you have.

If you've had a previous heart attack or suffer from cardiomyopathy -which alters the way the heart pumps blood should be aware of their PVCs and talk to a cardiologist about changes to their lifestyle. These include the avoidance of alcohol, caffeine, and smoking, managing stress and anxiety and ensuring adequate sleep. A cardiologist can prescribe beta blockers to slow the heartbeat.

If you have frequent PVCs even if do not have any other symptoms, you should consult an expert in cardiology. These irregular heartbeats could be a sign of a problem with the structure of your lungs or heart, and if they happen often enough, can weaken your heart muscle. But most people suffering from PVCs don't have any issues. They want to know if the fluttering heartbeats or skipping heartbeats is normal.

Diagnosis

PVCs can be felt as fluttering or skipped heartbeats, especially when they're intense or frequent. People who experience them often may feel weak. Exercise can trigger PVCs, but a lot of athletes who suffer from them have no heart or health problems. PVCs can show up on tests such as an electrocardiogram or Holter monitor. They have sensors that record electrical impulses from your heart. A cardiologist can also perform an ultrasound echocardiogram to examine the heart.

A doctor may be able to identify if a person has PVCs from a patient's history and physical exam. Sometimes, however, they may not be aware of PVCs until they examine patients for a different reason, like following an accident or surgery. Ambulatory ECG monitors are able to detect PVCs, as well as other arrhythmias. They may be used to identify cardiac problems in the event of any concern.

If your cardiologist has determined that your heart is structurally healthy, reassurance may be all you need. If your symptoms are bothersome or cause you to feel anxious, staying away from alcohol, caffeine, and over the counter decongestants, and the reduction of stress could help. Getting regular exercise, staying at a healthy weight, and drinking enough water can reduce your episodes of PVCs. If your symptoms persist or are severe, speak to your doctor about medications that can control the symptoms.

Treatment

If PVCs aren't causing symptoms or are not frequent, they usually don't need treatment. If they occur frequently your doctor may be able to look for heart problems or suggest lifestyle modifications. You could also have a procedure (called radiofrequency cathode ablation) to get rid them.

If you suffer from PVCs, the electrical signal that causes your heartbeat starts somewhere different than the sinoatrial nerve (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 prevalent among people suffering from heart disease however it's unclear what causes them. PVCs can become more frequent as you age, and could be more frequent during exercising.

A physician should perform an ECG as well as an echocardiogram for a patient who has frequent and painful PVCs to determine if there are structural heart problems. They may also perform an exercise stress test to determine if the extra beats are a result of physical activity. A heart catheterization or cardiac MRI or nuclear perfusion study could be performed to find other causes of the increased beats.

The majority of people with PVCs do not have any issues and live an ordinary life. They could increase the risk of heart rhythm disorders that can be dangerous particularly if they develop in certain patterns. In some instances, this means that the heart muscle becomes weaker and has difficulty pumping blood throughout your body.

Regular exercise and a healthy diet can lower the risk of developing PVCs. Avoid foods that are high in sodium and fat, and limit your intake of caffeine and tobacco. Also, you should try to get enough sleep and reduce stress. Certain medications can increase the risk of getting PVCs. If you are taking one of these medications it is important to follow your doctor's recommendations about a healthy diet, exercise and taking your medication.

Studies of patients who had a high amount of PVCs (that's more than 20 percent of their total heart beats) discovered that they had a higher incidence of arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy. Some patients may require an organ transplant.