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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.
Introduction
Introduction
Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are extra heartbeats that originate in the ventricles. They can cause a sensation of skipped or extra beats and, in some cases, may be associated with underlying heart conditions.
Causes of PVCs
PVCs can arise from various factors, which are broadly classified into:
1. Benign (Non-Pathological) Causes
These are common and usually do not indicate serious heart disease: - Stress and Anxiety – Increased adrenaline release can trigger PVCs. - Caffeine and Stimulants – Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and nicotine can affect heart rhythm. - Electrolyte Imbalance – Low levels of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. - Excessive Alcohol Consumption – Particularly binge drinking. - Sleep Deprivation – Poor sleep can increase irritability of the heart muscle. - Physical Activity – In some cases, PVCs may occur during or after exertion.
2. Cardiac Causes
PVCs may indicate underlying heart disease, particularly if they are frequent: - Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – Poor blood flow to the heart increases irritability. - Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) – Scar tissue can cause abnormal electrical impulses. - Cardiomyopathy – Structural abnormalities in the heart muscle. - Heart Failure – Weakened heart muscle fibers. - Congenital Heart Disease – Malformations affecting electrical pathways.
3. Medical Conditions and Systemic Factors
Certain systemic disorders can contribute to PVCs: - Hyperthyroidism – Excess thyroid hormones can speed up the heart rhythm. - Anemia – Reduced oxygen delivery to the heart. - Hypoxia (Low Oxygen Levels) – Conditions like sleep apnea. - Medications – Some decongestants, bronchodilators, and antidepressants.
When to See a Doctor?
While occasional PVCs are usually benign, you should consult a doctor if you experience: - Frequent PVCs (more than 10,000 per day, as per guidelines). - Symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath. - A history of heart disease or abnormal ECG findings.
Conclusion
PVCs are often harmless but may indicate underlying heart conditions. Identifying triggers and managing risk factors plays a crucial role in reducing symptoms and preventing complications.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines for the Management of Ventricular Arrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29097320/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084733/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405500X22010945
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34447992/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22611136/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
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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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