Why It's Important to See a Doctor
Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are a type of irregular heartbeat. These extra beats are usually not dangerous and can disappear on their own.
Doctors will monitor your heartbeat, and check other vitals signs. They may also order a Holter Monitor, which records the electrical impulses of your heart over a time of between 24 and 48 hours. They can also request blood tests for checking your thyroid hormones and electrolyte levels.
Diagnosis
PVCs are caused by electrical impulses which misfire through the SA node, a structure in the lower chambers of the heart. This causes the heartbeat to be delayed and causes an experience of skipped beats or fluttering in the chest. PVCs can be seen in one pattern or repeated patterns. Two consecutive PVCs are known as doublets. Three or more consecutive PVCs are referred to as the condition known as ventricular Tachycardia (VT).
Some people are not experiencing any symptoms, while others experience heart palpitations. It could be the sound of a beating heart or a skipping heartbeat. Other signs include dizziness, fatigue, or feeling unwell.
Many people who experience occasional PVCs do not require any treatment. If a person has frequent episodes, doctors may suggest a change in the way of life or diet like limiting alcohol, caffeine and stress. They may also prescribe medications, such as calcium channel blockers or beta-blockers which can lower the heart rate and lower blood pressure.
Doctors will ask the patient about their medical history, and then perform an examination of the body to assess their general health. They may also utilize a Holter monitor to record the heart's rhythms over longer durations or an electrocardiogram which captures a picture of the electrical activity within the heart. In certain instances, doctors may order blood tests to determine if there is an electrolyte imbalance or drug toxicity.
Sometimes, a pvc doctor will refer a patient to a specialist in heart rhythm problems or an electrophysiologist to conduct a further examination. This specialist can confirm the diagnosis of PVCs and determine if they are benign or not.
PVCs are everywhere and are not usually harmful unless they are used frequently or for a long time. This can cause weakening of the heart muscle or a condition referred to as pvc-induced cardiomyopathy. This is more prevalent in older adults 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. Usually, this isn't a serious concern but it's important to speak with a doctor if you notice symptoms like fainting or fatigue.
Treatment
PVCs are not harmful and do not cause symptoms in many people. They do not require treatment. If you notice that your heart is racing or not making the beat, it's best to seek out a physician immediately.
A cardiologist will first interview you and then perform an examination of your body, listening to your heart with a stethoscope to detect any irregular heartbeats. You'll also get an electrocardiogram (ECG) performed, which will record the electrical impulses that occur in your heart and identify any arrhythmias. If an arrhythmia is identified it is recommended to have you will require a 24-hour Holter monitor or a portable ECG will be required to detect the irregular rhythm over longer periods of time. These devices will help doctors determine if you suffer from PVCs, and their cause, such as an imbalance in electrolytes, toxic drugs or other factors.
An echocardiogram, an ultrasound of your heart, could be ordered to determine if your heart is healthy and look for any signs of structural problems that can lead to PVCs. You could also be asked to take an exercise test to assess the response of your heart to exercise. Physical activity can increase the frequency of PVCs. You may also undergo blood tests to determine your magnesium, potassium and thyroid hormone levels to find out whether they are low and can cause the development of PVCs.
After your doctor confirms that you have PVCs and has ruled any serious diseases out, the treatment you choose to take is based on the impact they have on your life and the frequency they occur. If they only occur occasionally and don't trigger any symptoms, it's unlikely that your doctor will suggest any medication to reduce their frequency or severity.
If you experience frequent PVCs that trigger the sensation of palpitations or other symptoms, like lightheadedness or feeling like you're about to faint, your physician may suggest medications, such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers. Altering your lifestyle to avoid triggers, like smoking, caffeine, and excessive stress, can also aid in reducing the frequency of instances of these unusual pulses.
Prevention
A person might not experience any symptoms whatsoever from PVCs or experience heart palpitations (irregular heartbeats) that can appear as "skipped" beats or fluttering in the chest. Sometimes, these episodes cause an increase in pressure or fullness in the chest, and other times, they can cause a person to feel faint. These episodes are caused by the heart not pumping as efficiently as it should. PVCs are associated with an increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy. upvc doctor is a condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and unable to pump blood.
PVCs are usually caused by changes in body chemistry. They can be caused by the release of adrenaline and thyroid hormones, in addition to drinking caffeine or alcohol. Stress or excess weight, as well as an insufficient amount of exercise can trigger these symptoms.
Certain people find that altering their diet may help to reduce PVCs. For instance, they could avoid foods with preservatives, which can cause disturbances in the heartbeat, for example disodium Guanylate (E621) disodium inosinate (E627), and diazole sodium (E282-283). Consume more fruits and vegetables to ensure that you get enough magnesium.
Regular health checks are important as are annual physicals. These tests can help identify any heart-related conditions that could cause your PVCs. You should also follow an appropriate diet and avoid smoking, which can increase the frequency of your episodes.
A survey of healthcare staff on 14 wards of a normal hospital showed that they were generally aware of the preventive measures to avoid vascular catheter-related infections however, their self-assessment of compliance with these practices was not great. The compliance improved following feedback interventions however it was still very lower on some of the observed wards. This suggests that education is required to implement preventive measures and that wards that are less conforming should be targeted for infection monitoring. These data can be used to inform quality improvement initiatives in these wards. This will most likely require more education and training for staff. It will also be necessary to ensure that the appropriate materials for implementing the preventive measures are readily available.
Symptoms
If you feel your heart is racing or fluttering, it may be premature ventricular contractions. These arrhythmias could be harmless, or they could be a sign that you have heart issues that are serious.
In healthy people, sporadic PVCs aren't an issue and they usually disappear on their own. If you've got a lot of them, it can cause dizziness or weakness. If you're worried, talk to your doctor about the symptoms. They might need to diagnose the issue by taking an history of your medical condition and conducting an examination. They'll likely also need to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) or other tests.
An ECG is a test that's quick that will allow your doctor to observe the signal generated by your heartbeat as it travels through your heart over the course of a brief period of time. If you have PVCs, they will show in the test. Your doctor may also suggest to do a 24- or 48-hour Holter monitor that records your heartbeat for longer periods of time. This can help distinguish PVCs from other types of arrhythmias that cause heart palpitations. You can wear an event monitor, a portable device that records your heart rhythm for 30 days.
Other heart tests might be required, based on the cause of your PVCs. A cardiologist may check your blood pressure or perform an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). These tests can determine whether you have an illness such as heart failure, mitral valve prolapse, or cardiomyopathy.
Your doctor may also need to run an analysis of your blood to determine the problem with electrolytes. For instance, a low level of potassium levels or high levels of calcium. This could indicate that you suffer from PVCs, or another health issue such as anemia or anxiety disorders.
You could be directed to an electrophysiologist, one of the specialists who specialize in treating heart rhythms that are abnormal. The doctor may be required to conduct additional tests if you are suffering from heart problems that are structural like a CT or MRI scan of your chest. These tests can tell if you have damage to your heart, and how serious it is. In some cases, the doctor may recommend the use of a pacemaker or ICD to treat the condition that is creating your PVCs.