Why It's Important to See a Doctor
Premature ventricular contracts (PVCs), are a type of irregular heartbeat. These extra beats are typically not dangerous and can go away by themselves.
Doctors will monitor your heartbeat, and check other vital signs. They might recommend a Holter monitor which is a device that records your heart's electrical impulses over a period of 24 to 48 hours. They can also request blood tests to determine your electrolyte levels and thyroid hormones.
Diagnosis
PVCs are caused by electrical impulses which misfire through the SA node, a structure located in the lower chambers of the heart. This delays the next heartbeat which can cause an experience of skipped beats or fluttering in the chest. PVCs may occur alone or in repeated patterns. Two consecutive PVCs are known as doublets, whereas three or more consecutive PVCs constitute the term ventricular tachycardia (VT).
Some people are not experiencing any symptoms, while others experience palpitations. It could be a pounding heartbeat or a slurred heartbeat. Other typical symptoms include fatigue, dizziness or a sensation of being unwell.
Many people who experience occasional PVCs don't need any treatment. If a person experiences frequent episodes, doctors may suggest a change in the way of life or diet like limiting caffeine, alcohol and stress. They may also prescribe medication such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, which can slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure.
Doctors will inquire about the medical history of the patient and conduct a physical exam to check their general health. They may also utilize a Holter monitor to record the heart's rhythms over a longer period of time or an electrocardiogram which captures a picture of the electrical activity in the heart. In certain instances, window doctors may order blood tests to look for an electrolyte imbalance or toxic effects from drugs.
Occasionally, a pvc doctor may refer a patient to a specialist in heart rhythm problems, or an electrophysiologist, to conduct a further examination. This specialist can confirm the diagnosis of PVCs and determine if they are benign or not.
PVCs are quite frequent and usually don't cause any problems, except when they are frequent over a long time. This can cause a weakening in the heart muscle, or a condition known as pvc-induced cardiac myopathy. This is more prevalent in older adults or those suffering from heart disease. It can also occur in healthy people with an uninvolved heart, however this is more likely in those who exercise regularly. Most of the time, this isn't an issue that is serious, but it is important to speak with an expert if you notice symptoms such as fainting or fatigue.
Treatment
PVCs aren't harmful or cause symptoms in many people. They do not require treatment. If you feel that your heart is racing or slurring an entire beat, you need to consult a doctor immediately.
A cardiologist begins by conducting an interview and then perform a an examination of your body, listening to your heart with a stethoscope for any irregular heartbeats. Additionally, you will undergo an electrocardiogram that records the electrical signals of your heart to detect any arrhythmias. If an arrhythmia is detected it is recommended to use an portable ECG or a 24-hour Holter monitor will be required to document the abnormal rhythm for longer periods of time. These devices will help doctors determine if you suffer from PVCs and their causes which could be due to an imbalance in electrolytes, drug toxicity or other factors.
You might be requested to undergo an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of your heart) to determine if your heart health is good and to look for structural issues that could cause PVCs. You could also have a stress test to see how your heart responds to exercise, as physical activity can increase the frequency of your PVCs. You may also undergo blood tests to determine your thyroid, magnesium, and potassium hormone levels to find out if they are too low which could contribute to the development of PVCs.
After your doctor has determined that you have PVCs and has eliminated any serious diseases, the decision on whether to treat them will be based on the extent to which they impact your life and the frequency at which they occur. If they occur only occasionally and don't cause any symptoms the doctor is not likely to recommend any treatment that will decrease their frequency or severity.
If you experience frequent PVCs, which can cause pulses or other symptoms, such as feeling light-headed or fainting, your doctor may prescribe medication such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. Changing your lifestyle to avoid triggers, such as smoking, caffeine, and excessive stress, can also aid in reducing the frequency of times you experience these unusual pulses.
Prevention
A person may experience no symptoms whatsoever from PVCs or heart palpitations (irregular heartbeats) that may feel like "skipped" beats or fluttering in the chest. These episodes can trigger feelings of fullness or pressure, or make you feel faint. These episodes occur because the heart is not pumping as efficiently as it normally does. PVCs are associated with an increased risk of developing dilated cardiac myopathy. This is a condition where the heart becomes enlarged and in a position to not pump blood.
PVCs often are caused by changes in body chemical chemistry. This includes the release of thyroid and adrenaline hormones, and drinking alcohol or caffeine. Inactivity can trigger these episodes like stress or excess weight.
Some people have found that a change in their diet helps to reduce their PVCs. For instance, they can, avoid foods that contain preservatives that could cause disturbances to the heart rhythm. These include disodium guanylate and diazole, and disodium inosinate Sodium (E282-283). Eat more fruits and vegetables to get sufficient magnesium.
Regular health checks are essential and include annual physicals. These tests can help identify any underlying heart conditions that could be causing your PVCs. You should also follow an eat-healthy diet and refrain from smoking, which can increase the frequency of your episodes.
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Symptoms
Involuntary ventricular contractions that are premature can cause your heartbeat to skip or flutter. These arrhythmias can be harmless or they may be a sign of serious heart issues.
In healthy people, sporadic PVCs aren't a problem, and they usually disappear on their own. If you've got many of them, it can cause dizziness or weakening. Talk to your doctor if concerned. They might need to diagnose the issue by taking an history of your medical condition and performing an examination. They might also need to conduct an electrocardiogram, or other tests.
A quick ECG test allows your double glazing doctor to see the signal of your heartbeat going through your body over a a short period of time. If you have PVCs, they'll be visible on the test. Your doctor might also suggest the use of a Holter monitor that tracks your heartbeat over a longer amount of time. They can help distinguish PVCs from other arrhythmias that cause heart palpitations. You can wear an event monitor, which is a portable device which tracks your heart's rhythm over 30 days.
Other heart tests might be required, depending on the reason for your PVCs. For instance an cardiologist may test your blood pressure and perform an ultrasound of your heart (echocardiogram). These tests can reveal if you have a issue that could be the cause of your PVCs like mitral valve prolapse or heart failure.
Your doctor may also have to perform a blood test to determine the problem with your electrolytes. For instance, a low level of potassium levels or high levels of calcium. This could indicate that you suffer from PVCs or another problem such as anemia, or anxiety disorders.
You could be referred to an electrophysiologist who can treat irregular heart rhythms. If you have structural heart disease, this specialist might need to do other tests, like an MRI or CT scan of your chest. These tests will tell you if you have damage to your heart and how serious it is. In some instances, the door doctor may recommend a pacemaker or ICD to treat the underlying condition that's causing your PVCs.