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 Ventricular Contractions (PVCs): Causes and Risk Factors
Introduction
Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) are early heartbeats originating in the ventricles. They can be benign or indicate an underlying heart condition. Understanding their causes and triggers is essential for effective management.
Common Causes of PVCs
1. Structural Heart Disease:
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Cardiomyopathy
- Heart failure
- Valvular heart disease
2. Electrolyte Imbalances:
- Low potassium (hypokalemia)
- Low magnesium (hypomagnesemia)
- Low calcium (hypocalcemia)
3. Increased Sympathetic Nervous Activity:
- Stress and anxiety
- Excessive caffeine or stimulant use
- Sleep deprivation
4. Medications and Substances:
- Decongestants and cold medications
- Antiarrhythmic drugs (paradoxical effect)
- Alcohol and recreational drugs (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines)
5. Underlying Medical Conditions:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Chronic lung diseases (e.g., COPD)
- Anemia
When to Seek Medical Attention?
If PVCs occur frequently, cause symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, or fainting, or are associated with heart disease, medical evaluation is necessary. A cardiologist may recommend ECG, Holter monitoring, or an echocardiogram to assess the condition further.
Conclusion
While occasional PVCs can be harmless, frequent or symptomatic PVCs may require further evaluation and lifestyle modifications. If you experience frequent palpitations, consult a cardiologist for a thorough assessment.
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 and Sudden Cardiac Death
- 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
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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:
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.