About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of Ectopic Beats
Introduction
Ectopic beats are extra or premature heartbeats that originate outside the heart’s normal rhythm. They can be benign or indicative of underlying heart conditions. Understanding their causes can help in managing and preventing potential complications.
Types of Ectopic Beats
- Premature Atrial Contractions (PACs) – originate in the atria.
- Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) – originate in the ventricles.
Common Causes of Ectopic Beats
Lifestyle Factors
- High caffeine intake
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking and nicotine
- High levels of stress and anxiety
Electrolyte Imbalances
- Low or high potassium, calcium, or magnesium can affect heart conductivity.
Heart Conditions
- Coronary artery disease
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Cardiomyopathy
- Heart failure
Hormonal and Metabolic Factors
- Thyroid disorders (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism)
- Adrenal disorders
Medication and Drug Use
- Certain stimulants or decongestants
- Antiarrhythmic drugs
- Illicit drug use (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines)
Structural and Genetic Factors
- Congenital heart conditions
- Genetic predisposition to arrhythmias
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Holter monitor (24-hour ECG monitoring)
- Echocardiogram
- Blood tests (to check electrolytes and thyroid function)
Management
- Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
- Managing stress and anxiety
- Correcting electrolyte imbalances
- Treating underlying heart or hormonal conditions
- Medications: Beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs if necessary
In most cases, occasional ectopic beats are harmless. However, frequent or symptomatic ectopic beats require a medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Supraventricular Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/5/655/5556821
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504425/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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