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 Premature Atrial Complexes (PACs)
Introduction
Premature atrial complexes (PACs) are extra heartbeats originating from the atria (upper chambers of the heart). They are common and usually benign but may sometimes indicate underlying heart conditions. Understanding their causes helps in managing and preventing complications.
Common Causes of PACs
1. Lifestyle Factors
- Caffeine and Alcohol: Excessive intake can stimulate the heart and increase PACs.
- Smoking: Nicotine triggers abnormal electrical activity in the heart.
- Stress and Anxiety: Increased sympathetic nervous system activity can lead to premature beats.
- Lack of Sleep: Poor sleep may disturb heart rhythm regulation.
2. Medical Conditions
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Can stress the heart, leading to irregular beats.
- Coronary Artery Disease: Reduced blood flow to the heart may cause PACs.
- Heart Failure: Weakened heart muscles may generate irregular signals.
- Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): Causes an increased heart rate and predisposes to PACs.
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Low potassium or magnesium levels can affect heart conduction.
- Lung Diseases: Conditions like COPD can influence heart rhythms.
3. Medications and Substances
- Decongestants and Asthma Medications: Stimulate the heart and may increase PACs.
- Beta-Agonists: Used for asthma or chronic lung diseases may trigger PACs.
- Certain Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Paradoxically, some medications used to control heart rhythm may also induce PACs.
Summary
PACs are common and often harmless, but frequent PACs could indicate underlying issues that require further evaluation. Avoiding triggers (like caffeine, alcohol, and stress), managing underlying conditions, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce their occurrence.
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 Management of 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.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26320108/
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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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Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
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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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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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.