Why Pvc Doctor Is Right For You How a VC Can Affect Your Heart

PVCs are commonplace and can be experienced by a wide range of people without causing any issues. If they occur often, PVCs may weaken your heart and increase your risk of heart failure.

The rhythm of your heart is usually controlled by a group of fibers located in the upper right corner of your heart. This is called the sinoatrial node, or SA. Electrical signals are transmitted to the ventricles or lower chambers of your heart.

Causes

PVCs occur when the electrical impulse that typically begins your heartbeat in a region known as the sinus node (also called the sinoatrial or SA node) does not. The impulse actually starts in the ventricles, causing an irregular heartbeat. These extra beats, also known as ventricular tachycardia, or ventricular fibrillation, may feel like your heart skipped a beat or feels fluttering. They can happen infrequently, causing no symptoms, but they can also happen frequently enough to affect your standard of living. If they are very frequent or cause weakness, dizziness, or fatigue, your doctor might treat them with medication.

In most people, PVCs are harmless and do not increase the risk of heart disease or other health issues. Over time, repeated PVCs can weaken the heart muscle. This is particularly true if they are caused by a heart condition like dilated cardiomyopathy, or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy which may lead to symptomatic heart failure.

PVCs can trigger symptoms such as a feeling of your heart skipping an beat, or the feeling of your heart fluttering. You might also feel breathless. windows doctor fluttering may be more noticeable if you exercise, or consume certain foods or beverages. PVCs are more prevalent in those suffering from chronic stress or anxiety. Some medications, like digoxin, amiodarone and cocaine, can also increase the risk of developing PVCs.

If you experience occasional PVCs Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and medicines. If you experience frequent PVCs, your doctor may recommend avoiding certain foods and drinks, such as caffeine and alcohol. You can also lessen stress by taking enough rest and exercising.

If you're suffering from a lot of PVCs The doctor may suggest a medical treatment called radiofrequency catheter ablation, which destroys the cells that are responsible for PVCs. The procedure is carried out by a specialist, known as an electrophysiologist. The treatment is usually successful in treating PVCs, reducing symptoms but it does not stop them from returning in the future. In some instances it may increase your risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib), which can cause a stroke. It is not common, but it could be life-threatening.

Signs and symptoms

Premature ventricular contractions, or PVCs, may make your heart appear to skip or flutter the beat. These extra heartbeats can be harmless, however you might want to consult your doctor when they occur frequently or if you notice symptoms such as dizziness or fatigue.


The electrical signals normally begin in the sinoatrial, located in the upper right-hand corner of the heart. They then move to the lower chambers, or ventricles, that pump blood. The ventricles then contract to force blood into the lungs. They return to the heart's center to start the next cycle of pumping. A PVC begins in a different location that is the Purkinje fibres bundle in the left side of the heart.

When PVCs happen, the heart may appear to be skipping a beat or pounding. If you only have one or two episodes, and no other symptoms are present, your cardiologist will probably not treat you. If you have a lot of PVCs the doctor may suggest that you undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor your heartbeat for 24 hours. He or she might also recommend wearing a Holter monitor that records your heartbeat over time, allowing you to see how many PVCs you have.

If you've had an earlier heart attack or have suffered from cardiomyopathy - an illness that affects the heart's blood flow - must take their PVCs seriously and consult a cardiologist regarding lifestyle changes. Those include avoiding caffeine, alcohol and smoking, reducing anxiety and stress, and getting enough rest. A cardiologist can prescribe medication to slow the heartbeat like beta blockers.

If you are experiencing frequent PVCs, even if you don't have any other symptoms, you should consult a cardiologist. These extra heartbeats may indicate a problem in the structure of your lungs or heart, and if they occur often enough, can weaken the heart muscle. However, most people suffering from PVCs don't have any issues. They just want to know that the fluttering or racing heartbeats aren't normal.

Diagnosis

PVCs can be akin to heartbeats that are fluttering particularly if they're frequent and intense. People who experience them often might feel faint. They can also occur during exercising, but most athletes who get them do not have any issues with their heart or health. PVCs can be detected in tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitor. These use sticky patches with sensors that record electrical impulses from your heart. A cardiologist may also use an ultrasound echocardiogram to examine the heart.

A doctor will usually be able to determine whether a patient has PVCs by examining them and taking their medical history. Sometimes, they may only be able to detect them when they examine the patient for other reasons, for instance after a surgery or accident. Ambulatory ECG monitors are able to detect PVCs as well as other arrhythmias. They can be used to detect cardiac disease in the event of any concern.

If your cardiologist determines your heart is structurally healthy, reassurance could be all you need. If your symptoms are troubling or cause you to feel anxious, staying away from alcohol, caffeine and over-the prescription decongestants, as well as reducing stress may help. Regular exercise, being at a healthy weight, and drinking enough fluids can reduce your episodes of PVCs. If your symptoms persist or are severe, talk to your doctor about treatments that could help control them.

Treatment

If PVCs don't cause symptoms or happen rarely, they usually don't need treatment. If you experience them frequently, your doctor may want to examine for any other heart problems and suggest lifestyle changes or medications. You could also have a procedure (called radiofrequency cathode ablation) to get rid them.

When you have PVCs, the electrical signal that causes your heartbeat starts somewhere different than the sinoatrial nerve (SA node) in the top right side of your heart. It can feel like your heart skips a beat or is beating faster. PVCs are more prevalent among people who suffer from heart issues however, it's not clear what causes 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 on a patient who suffers from frequent and painful PVCs to rule out structural heart diseases. They may also perform an exercise stress test to determine whether the additional beats are due to physical activity. To find out if there are other causes for the increased beats, a heart catheterization or an MRI can be performed.

Most people who suffer from PVCs don't experience any problems and can enjoy an ordinary life. However, they may increase your risk of having dangerous heart rhythm problems especially if you are suffering from certain patterns of them. In some cases this means that the heart muscle becomes weaker and has difficulty pumping blood throughout your body.

A healthy, regular diet and regular exercise can reduce the chances of developing PVCs. Avoid foods high in fat and sodium and limit your intake of tobacco and caffeine. Also, you should try to sleep enough and reduce stress. Certain medications can increase your risk for PVCs. If you are taking any of these medications it is essential that you follow your doctor's advice regarding eating a healthy diet exercising, as well as taking your medication.

In studies of patients with high PVC burdens (more than 20% of total heartbeats) there was a higher incidence of arrhythmia-induced cardiac myopathy was discovered. Some patients may require an organ transplant.