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.
Premature Beats: Causes and Explanation
Introduction
Premature beats, also known as premature contractions or extrasystoles, are early heartbeats that seem to interrupt the normal heart rhythm. They can originate from the atria (premature atrial contractions, PACs) or from the ventricles (premature ventricular contractions, PVCs). While they are usually benign, frequent premature beats may indicate underlying cardiac conditions.
Causes of Premature Beats
1. Physiological Causes (Non-Pathological)
- Stress and Anxiety : Emotional stress can trigger premature beats.
- Caffeine and Nicotine : Stimulants found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and cigarettes can irritate the heart.
- Alcohol and Drug Use : Certain substances can provoke arrhythmias.
- Exercise and Physical Exertion : Extreme exercise may increase ectopic beats in some individuals.
- Fatigue and Poor Sleep : Lack of rest can influence heart rhythm.
2. Cardiac Causes (Heart-Related)
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) : Reduced blood flow to the heart can lead to irritability of heart muscle.
- Structural Heart Disease : Conditions like cardiomyopathy or valvular disease can increase the likelihood of premature beats.
- Heart Failure : Weakened heart muscles may become electrically unstable.
- Myocarditis : Inflammation of the heart muscle can increase ectopic beats.
- Previous Heart Attack : Scarring from myocardial infarction can lead to electrical abnormalities.
3. Electrolyte Imbalances and Hormonal Factors
- Low Potassium or Magnesium : Essential minerals for heart function.
- Thyroid Disorders : Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can trigger premature beats.
4. Medication and Drug-Induced Causes
- Beta-agonists : Used for asthma treatment, they can stimulate the heart.
- Decongestants : Some cold medications contain stimulants that affect heart rate.
- Certain Antidepressants : Some medications can alter heart rhythm.
When to Seek Medical Help?
- If premature beats are frequent and persistent.
- If associated with dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
- If there is a known history of heart disease.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis : ECG, Holter monitoring, blood tests, and echocardiography.
- Treatment : Lifestyle modifications, electrolyte correction, and medications like beta-blockers if necessary.
Most premature beats are harmless, but frequent or symptomatic premature beats warrant a medical evaluation.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14557344/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16949478/
- https://www.acc.org/Clinical-Topics/Arrhythmias-and-Clinical-EP
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on 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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26320108/
- 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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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.