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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 Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)
Introduction
Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) are extra, abnormal heartbeats that originate in the ventricles of the heart. They can occur occasionally in healthy individuals or be associated with underlying heart disease.
Causes of PVCs
Common causes include: - Electrolyte imbalances (low levels of potassium or magnesium) - Excess caffeine or alcohol intake - Stress and anxiety - Heart disease, such as coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy - Certain medications, especially stimulants - Smoking
Symptoms
Some people do not feel PVCs at all, while others may experience: - A “skipped” heartbeat or fluttering sensation - Increased awareness of heartbeat (palpitations) - Occasional chest discomfort (rare) - Dizziness or lightheadedness (if PVCs are frequent and sustained)
Diagnosis
Clinicians can diagnose PVCs using: - Electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect abnormal beats - Holter monitoring (24-hour ECG recording) - Echocardiogram to assess heart structure and function
Treatment and Management
- Lifestyle changes: Reduce caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and manage stress
- Electrolyte balance: Ensure adequate potassium and magnesium intake
- Medications: Beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs if PVCs are symptomatic or frequent
- Ablation therapy (in severe cases): A procedure that destroys the abnormal foci responsible for PVCs
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical attention if you have: - Frequent PVCs causing symptoms like dizziness or chest pain - A personal history of heart disease - Increasing episodes of irregular heartbeats
Conclusion
PVCs are usually harmless but may indicate an underlying heart condition in some cases. If you experience frequent or symptomatic PVCs, consult a cardiologist for evaluation.
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://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405500X22010945
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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!
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.