Why It's Important to See a Doctor
Premature ventricular contractures (PVCs), are a type of irregular heartbeats. These extra beats are usually not dangerous and can disappear on their own.
Doctors will listen to your heartbeat and also check other vital indicators. They might order an Holter monitor which is a device that records your heart's electrical impulses over the course of 24 hours. They can also order blood tests to assess the levels of electrolytes and thyroid hormones.
Diagnosis
PVCs are caused by electrical impulses that reverberate through the SA node, a structure in the lower chambers of the heart. This causes the next heartbeat to delay, which can cause the sensation of racing or skipped beats. PVCs can be seen as a single event or in repeated patterns. Two consecutive PVCs are known as doublets, while three or more consecutive PVCs constitute the condition known as ventricular tachycardia (VT).
Some people are not experiencing any symptoms, while others experience palpitations. It could be a pounding heartbeat or a slurred heartbeat. Other symptoms that are common are fatigue or dizziness, or a feeling of being sick.
Many people who experience occasional PVCs do not require treatment. If a person experiences frequent episodes, doctors might suggest a change in the way of life or diet including a reduction in caffeine, alcohol and stress. They may also prescribe medications, such as calcium channel blockers or beta-blockers that can reduce the heart rate and lower blood pressure.
Doctors will inquire about the patient's medical history and perform a physical examination to determine their general health. They may also employ an electrocardiogram (ECG) to get an image of the heart's electrical activity, or a Holter monitor that is worn for longer time periods and records the heart's rhythms over time. In certain instances doctors may require blood tests to look for an electrolyte imbalance or toxic effects from drugs.
Occasionally, a pvc doctor may refer a patient to a specialist in heart rhythm issues or an electrophysiologist for further evaluation. This doctor can confirm a diagnosis of PVCs, and determine whether they are malignant or benign.
PVCs are everywhere and are generally not harmful when used frequently or for a long period of time. This can lead to a weakening of the heart muscle or a condition referred to as pvc-induced cardiomyopathy. It is more prevalent in older people or people suffering from heart disease. It can also happen in healthy people with a normal heart, although it is more likely to occur in those who exercise regularly. It is not a major condition, but you should consult your physician if you notice symptoms such as fainting or fatigue occur.
Treatment
PVCs are not harmful and do not cause symptoms in many people. Repair My Windows And Doors don't require treatment. But, for those who feel their heart has skipped a beat or is racing, it's vital to consult a physician immediately.
A cardiologist will start by interviewing you and performing a an examination of your body, monitoring your heart using an stethoscope to detect any irregular beats. Additionally, you will undergo an electrocardiogram, which captures the electrical impulses of your heart to detect any arrhythmias. If an arrhythmia has been discovered it is recommended to use the use of a portable ECG or a 24-hour Holter monitor will be required to record the abnormal rhythm for longer durations of time. These devices will assist doctors determine if you have PVCs and the underlying cause for them, like an electrolyte imbalance, drug toxicities, or other causes.
You might be requested to undergo an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of your heart) to determine whether your heart health is in good shape and to check for structural problems that could lead to PVCs. You could also have a stress test to see how your heart reacts to exercise, since physical exercise can increase the frequency of your PVCs. You can also have blood tests to assess your magnesium, potassium and thyroid hormone levels to find out whether they are insufficient which could contribute to the formation of PVCs.
If your doctor confirms that you have PVCs and has ruled any serious illness out, the treatment you choose to take will depend on how they affect your life and how often they occur. If they happen only on occasion and don't trigger any symptoms, it's unlikely your doctor will recommend any medication to reduce their frequency or severity.
If, however, you suffer from frequent PVCs that cause palpitations and other symptoms, like lightheadedness or feeling like you're about to faint, your doctor might recommend medications, such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers. Changes in lifestyle, like abstaining from smoking, caffeine and stress, can also reduce the frequency of these abnormal pulses.
The following is a list of preventatives.
PVCs can cause no symptoms or heart palpitations which may be described as "skipped beats" or flutterings in the chest. These episodes can trigger an feeling of pressure or fullness, or make you feel faint. These episodes are caused by the heart is not pumping as efficiently as it normally does. PVCs are linked to an increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy. This is a condition where the heart becomes enlarged and unable to pump blood.
PVCs are usually caused by changes in the body's chemistry. This includes the release of adrenaline and thyroid hormones and alcohol consumption or caffeine. Stress or weight gain or a lack of exercise, can trigger these symptoms.
Some people have found that a change in their diet can reduce their PVCs. They can, for example, avoid foods that are preservative-laden, which can cause a disturbance of the heart rhythm. These include disodium guanylate and disodium Inosinate, and diazole sodium (E282-283). Eat more fruits and vegetables to get sufficient magnesium.
Regular health checks are crucial, including yearly physicals. These can help diagnose any heart issues that could be the cause of your PVCs. It is also recommended to adhere to an appropriate diet and refrain from smoking, which can increase the frequency of your episodes.
A survey of healthcare workers on 14 normal hospital wards revealed that they were aware of the preventive measures for infections caused by vascular catheters However, their self-assessed compliance with these practices was low. After a feedback program that improved compliance on certain wards, but it was still not as high. This suggests that education on the best ways to implement preventive measures is necessary and that the wards which are less compliant should be targeted for surveillance of infection. These data can be used to guide quality improvement initiatives in these wards. It is likely that this will require further education and training for staff. It will also involve making sure that the appropriate materials are available for the implementing of the preventive measures.
Symptoms
If you feel your heart is skipping beats or fluttering, it could be a sign of premature ventricular contractions. These arrhythmias may be harmless, but they could be a sign that you have serious heart problems.
In healthy people, PVCs that occur occasionally are not any problem. They usually disappear on their own. But if you have a lot of them, they can cause dizziness or weakness. Speak to your doctor if you are worried. You may need to give a medical history, and they might also perform an examination of the body to diagnose the problem. They may also perform an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) or other tests.
A quick ECG test lets your doctor see the pulse of your heart moving through your body for a the course of a brief period. If you have PVCs, they'll be visible in the test. Your doctor may also suggest a Holter monitor that tracks your heartbeat over a longer period of time. These tests can help distinguish PVCs from arrhythmias causing heart palpitations. You can wear an event monitor, a portable device which keeps track of your heart's rhythm for 30 days.
Other tests for the heart may be needed, depending on the cause of your PVCs. For instance an cardiologist may test your blood pressure and do an ultrasound of your heart (echocardiogram). This can help determine if you have a condition that may be the cause of your PVCs like mitral valve prolapse or heart failure.
Your doctor may also have to do an analysis of your blood to determine what is wrong in your electrolytes, like low potassium or high calcium levels. This could indicate that you have PVCs or another condition such as anemia or anxiety disorders.
You might be referred to an electrophysiologist, an expert who specializes in treating abnormal heart rhythms. The specialist might need to perform other tests if you have heart problems that are structural like the CT or MRI scan of your chest. These tests can tell whether you've suffered damage to your heart and how severe it is. In some cases, the doctor might recommend the use of a pacemaker or ICD to treat the underlying issue causing your PVCs.