-
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 Ventricular Bigeminy
Introduction
Ventricular bigeminy is a type of heart rhythm disturbance classified as a ventricular arrhythmia. It occurs when each normal heartbeat (sinus beat) is followed by a premature ventricular contraction (PVC). This produces a pattern where every second beat is abnormal.
Causes of Ventricular Bigeminy
Ventricular bigeminy can occur due to various reasons, ranging from benign to life-threatening conditions. Below are the major causes:
1. Electrolyte Imbalances
- Low potassium (hypokalemia)
- Low magnesium (hypomagnesemia)
- High calcium (hypercalcemia)
2. Myocardial Ischemia or Infarction
- Coronary artery disease
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Reduced oxygen supply to the heart
3. Structural Heart Disease
- Cardiomyopathy (dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive)
- Valvular heart disease
- Congenital heart defects
4. Drug and Toxin Exposure
- Stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol
- Certain medications (e.g., digoxin toxicity, beta-agonists, antiarrhythmic drugs)
- Recreational drugs (cocaine, amphetamines)
5. Increased Sympathetic Activity or Stress
- Anxiety, panic attacks
- Hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone)
- Excessive physical exertion
6. Heart Conduction System Disorders
- Sick sinus syndrome
- Ventricular pre-excitation syndromes (e.g., WPW syndrome)
When to Seek Medical Attention?
Ventricular bigeminy can be benign, but certain symptoms require urgent evaluation: - Dizziness or fainting (syncope) - Chest pain - Shortness of breath - Palpitations with fatigue
If these symptoms occur, consulting a cardiologist is recommended for further evaluation and necessary tests such as an ECG, Holter monitoring, or echocardiogram.
Conclusion
Ventricular bigeminy may result from harmless factors like stress or occur due to underlying serious conditions such as heart disease or electrolyte imbalances. Identifying and treating the root cause is essential for managing this rhythm disturbance effectively.
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 Ventricular Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405500X22010945
-
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!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.