Pvc Doctor Tips From The Top In The Business
How a VC Can Affect Your Heart
PVCs are commonplace and can be experienced by a wide range of people without causing any problems. However, if they happen frequently, PVCs can weaken your heart muscle and increase the risk of heart failure.
The heart's rhythm is controlled by a group of fibers that are located in the upper right-hand part of your heart. This is called the sinoatrial nerve, or SA. Electrical signals are transmitted to the ventricles, or lower chambers of the heart.
Causes
PVCs happen when the electrical impulse that normally starts your heartbeat at a point called the sinus node (also called the sinoatrial node or SA node) isn't. Instead, the impulse begins in another area of your heart, the ventricles, and causes a wrongly timed beat. These extra beats, called ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, could feel as if your heart skipped a beat, or it feels like it is like it's fluttering. They can happen infrequently and cause no symptoms, or they can happen often enough to impact your daily life. Your doctor may prescribe medicine when they occur frequently or cause weakness, dizziness or fatigue.
In most people, PVCs are harmless and aren't likely to increase your risk of developing heart disease or other health issues. Over time, frequent PVCs can weaken the heart muscle. This is especially true if they are caused by a heart-related condition such as dilated cardiomyopathy arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, which may lead to symptomatic heart failure.
The signs of PVCs include a feeling that your heart beats faster or flutters, and you may feel exhausted. The fluttering can be more apparent when you exercise or have certain foods or drinks. PVCs are more common in those suffering from chronic stress or anxiety. Some medications, like digoxin, amiodarone and cocaine, can also increase the risk.
If you experience occasional PVCs your doctor might suggest lifestyle changes and medications. If you have frequent PVCs, your physician may recommend that you avoid certain foods and drinks, such as caffeine and alcohol. You can also lessen stress by having enough sleep and working out.
If you have a lot of PVCs Your doctor might suggest a medical procedure known as radiofrequency catheter ablation, which destroys the cells that cause them. Electrophysiologists are the ones who execute this procedure. It is generally successful in treating the PVCs and reducing symptoms however, it doesn't prevent them from occurring in the future. In certain cases, it may increase the risk of having atrial fibrillation (AFib), which can result in stroke. It's not common, but it can be life-threatening.
Symptoms
Premature ventricular contractures or PVCs may cause your heart to skip or flutter. These extra heartbeats are generally harmless, but it is important to talk to your doctor if you have frequent episodes or signs like dizziness or weakness.
Normaly, electrical signals begin in the sinoatrial region, which is in the upper right part of the heart. They then move to the lower chambers, or ventricles, where blood pumps are located. The ventricles contract to propel the blood into your lungs and then return to the heart to begin the next pumping cycle. However, a PVC begins at a different spot and is located in the bundle of fibers, known as the Purkinje fibers, in the bottom left portion of the heart.
When PVCs occur, they cause the heart beat or feel like it skipped a beat. If you experience only a few episodes, but no other symptoms, your doctor probably won't be able to treat you. But if you have a number of PVCs the doctor may recommend an electrocardiogram, or ECG, to measure your heartbeat over 24 hours. He or she might also recommend wearing a Holter Monitor which tracks your heartbeat and tracks the number of PVCs.
Anyone who has had a prior Residential Windows Repair heart attack or have cardiomyopathy -which affects how the heart pumps blood -- should take their PVCs seriously and consult an expert in cardiology about lifestyle changes. This includes cutting down on caffeine, alcohol and smoking, managing anxiety and stress, and getting enough rest. A cardiologist may prescribe beta blockers to slow the heartbeat.
If you experience frequent PVCs, even if you do not have any other signs, you should see a cardiologist. These extra heartbeats can be a sign of an issue with the structure of your heart or other health issues and, over time, when they are frequent enough, they can weaken the heart muscle. However, most people suffering from PVCs do not experience any issues. They simply want to know that the fluttering or skipping heartbeats aren't normal.
Diagnosis
PVCs may be felt as fluttering or skipped heartbeats, especially if they're frequent or intense. Patients who have a lot of them may feel they're about to faint. Exercise can trigger them, but most athletes who suffer from these symptoms do not have heart or health issues. PVCs can show up on tests such as an electrocardiogram or a Holter monitor. They use sticky patches with sensors that record electrical signals from your heart. A cardiologist might also use an echocardiogram, which uses ultrasound to study the heart and see how it's functioning.
A doctor may be able to determine if someone is suffering from PVCs from a history and physical exam. Sometimes, however, they may only be able to detect PVCs when they examine a patient for another reason such as following an accident or a surgery. Ambulatory ECG monitors are able to detect PVCs and other arrhythmias. They are able to detect cardiac disease if there is any reason to be concerned.
If your cardiologist concludes that your heart's structure is normal, reassurance will be the only treatment needed. If your symptoms are causing you discomfort, or cause you to feel anxious, staying away from alcohol, caffeine and over-the drug decongestants and the reduction of stress could help. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and drinking enough fluids can all aid in reducing the frequency of PVCs. If the symptoms persist or are severe, speak with your physician about possible medications that can control them.
Treatment
If PVCs do not cause any symptoms or occur rarely they aren't usually in need of treatment. If they are frequent your doctor may be able to look for low-e window Repair heart conditions or recommend lifestyle adjustments. You may also undergo an operation (called radiofrequency cathode ablation) to get rid of them.
If you have PVCs in your heart the electrical signal that creates your heartbeat is located outside of the sinoatrial (SA) node, which is located in the upper right-hand corner of your heart. This can cause your heart to feel as if it skips a beating or has additional beats. They're more common among people who suffer from heart issues, but it's not known the reason behind them. PVCs are more frequent with age and might happen more often during exercise.
If a patient experiences frequent and painful PVCs doctors should conduct an ECG and an echocardiogram to rule out heart disease that is structural. The doctor will also conduct an exercise stress test in order to determine if the extra heartbeats are due to physical activity. To determine if there are other causes for the extra beatings, a heart catheterization or an MRI could be conducted.
The majority of people with PVCs do not suffer from any complications and can lead an ordinary life. But they can increase the risk of developing dangerous heart rhythm problems, especially if you have certain patterns of them. In certain cases, it means that the heart muscle becomes weaker and has trouble pumping blood through your body.
A regular, healthy diet and regular exercise can help reduce your chances of developing PVCs. Avoid foods high in fat and sodium and limit your consumption of tobacco and caffeine. Sleep and stress are equally crucial. Some medicines may also increase your risk for PVCs. If you take any of these medicines, it is important that you follow the advice of your doctor regarding eating a healthy diet exercising, as well as taking your medication.
Studies of patients with a high burden of PVCs (that's more than 20 percent of their total heart beats) found that they had a higher incidence of arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy. Some patients may require an organ transplant.