Why It's Important to See a Doctor
Premature ventricular contractures (PVCs) are a type of irregular heartbeats. These extra beats are typically not harmful and will disappear on their own.
To diagnose PVC doctors listen to your heartbeat and look for other vital indicators. They might order an Holter monitor which is a device that tracks your heart's electrical impulses over a period of 24 to 48 hours. They can also order blood tests for checking your electrolyte levels and thyroid hormones.
Diagnosis
PVCs are caused by electrical impulses coming from the lower chambers of the heart ventricles, or lower chambers, fail to pass through a structure called the SA node. This delays the next heartbeat and causes the feeling of skipped beats or fluttering in the chest. PVCs can occur in one pattern or repeated patterns. Two consecutive PVCs are referred to as doublets, while three or more consecutive PVCs are referred to as ventricular Tachycardia (VT).
Some people don't experience any symptoms, others feel palpitations, which could feel like the heart beating faster or slower. Other symptoms that are common are fatigue or dizziness, or a feeling of being unwell.
Many people who experience occasional PVCs do not require treatment. If a person experiences frequent episodes, doctors may recommend a change in the way of life or diet including a reduction in caffeine, alcohol and stress. They can also prescribe medications such as calcium channel blockers or beta-blockers which can lower the heart rate and lower blood pressure.
Doctors will inquire about their medical history, and then perform an examination of the body to assess their general health. They may also employ an electrocardiogram (ECG) to get a snapshot of the heart's electrical activity, or a Holter monitor, which is worn for longer periods and monitors the heart's rhythms over time. Doctors may require blood tests in certain cases to determine if there are electrolyte imbalances or drug toxicity.
Occasionally, a pvc doctor may refer a patient to a specialist in heart rhythm issues, or an electrophysiologist, to conduct a further examination. The doctor can confirm a diagnosis of PVCs and determine if they are benign or malignant.
PVCs are everywhere and aren't usually harmful unless they are used frequently or for a long period of time. This could lead to a weakening of the heart muscle, or a condition referred to as pvc-induced cardiomyopathy. This is most common for people over the age of 65 or those suffering from some type of heart disease. It can also occur in healthy people with normal heart function, but it is more likely to occur in those who exercise regularly. Usually, this isn't a serious concern however it is crucial to tell an expert if you notice symptoms such as fainting or fatigue.
Treatment
For many people, sporadic PVCs aren't likely to cause symptoms or require no treatment. If you notice that your heart is racing or skipping the beat, it's best to see a doctor right away.
A cardiologist will first interview you and then perform an examination of your body and listen to your heart using an stethoscope to identify any irregular beats. You will also have an electrocardiogram (ECG) performed, which will record the electrical signals in your heart and reveal any arrhythmias. If an arrhythmia has been identified, the use of a portable ECG or 24-hour Holter monitor will be required to record the abnormal rhythm for longer durations of time. These devices can help doctors determine whether you have PVCs and the reason for them like an imbalance in electrolytes, drug toxicity or other causes.
An echocardiogram, also known as an ultrasound of your heart, may be ordered to assess whether your heart is in good health and look for any indications of structural issues that can lead to PVCs. You may also undergo a stress test to see how your heart reacts to exercise, since physical activity can increase the frequency of your pvcs. You may also undergo blood tests to determine your thyroid, magnesium, and potassium hormone levels to find out if they are too low, which can contribute to the development of PVCs.
If your doctor has confirmed that you have PVCs, and has ruled any serious diseases out, the treatment option you choose is based on the impact they have on your life and how frequently they occur. If they occur only occasionally and don't trigger any symptoms, it's unlikely that your doctor will suggest any medication to reduce the frequency or severity of them.
If you experience frequent PVCs that trigger the sensation of palpitations or other symptoms, like lightheadedness or feeling like you're going to faint, your physician may suggest medications for you, such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers. Altering your lifestyle to stay clear of triggers, such as caffeine, smoking and excessive stress, can also aid in reducing the frequency of instances of these abnormal pulses.
Prevention
PVCs can cause no symptoms or heart palpitations which may be described as "skipped beats" or flutterings in the chest. These episodes can create feelings of pressure or fullness, or make you feel faint. These episodes happen because the heart is not pumping as efficiently as it normally does. PVCs are linked to an increased risk of developing dilated cardiac myopathy. This is a condition where the heart becomes enlarged and unable to pump blood.
PVCs are often caused by changes in body chemical balance. This is due to the release of adrenaline and thyroid hormones as well as drinking alcohol or caffeine. A lack of exercise can trigger these symptoms like stress or excessive weight.
Certain people find that altering their diet may help to reduce the amount of PVCs. For instance, they can avoid foods that contain preservatives that can cause a disturbance to the heart rhythm, such as disodium guanylate (E621) disodium inosinate (E627) and diazole sodium (E282-283). Eat more fruits and vegetables to get enough magnesium.
Regular health checks are important, including yearly physicals. These tests can help you identify any heart issues that could be causing your PVCs. Also, you should adhere to an appropriate diet and refrain from smoking, which can increase the frequency of your episodes.
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Signs and symptoms
If you feel like your heart is racing or fluttering, it may be due to premature ventricular contractions. These arrhythmias may be harmless or they could be the sign of heart problems.
In healthy individuals, PVCs that occur occasionally are not a problem. They usually disappear on their own. But if you have a lot of them, they could cause weakness or dizziness. Speak to your doctor if worried. They might need to diagnose the problem by taking a medical history and conducting a physical exam. They might also need to conduct an electrocardiogram, or other tests.
An ECG is a quick test that will allow your doctor to see the signal from your heartbeat as it moves through your heart for an extremely short period of time. If you have PVCs, they'll show up on the test. Your doctor might also want to perform an overnight or 24-hour Holter monitor which monitors your heartbeat for longer durations of time. These tests can help differentiate PVCs from arrhythmias causing heart palpitations. You can wear an event monitor, a handheld device that keeps track of your heart's rhythm for 30 days.
Other heart tests might be required, based on the cause of your PVCs. For instance, a cardiologist might check your blood pressure and do an ultrasound of your heart (echocardiogram). This can help determine if you have a condition that may be responsible for your PVCs, such as mitral valve prolapse or heart failure.
Your doctor may also be required to conduct an analysis of your blood to determine what the problem is with your electrolytes such as low potassium or high calcium levels. This could be an indication of PVCs or other conditions that can cause them, like anxiety disorders and anemia.
You might be referred to an electrophysiologist, a specialist who specializes in treating irregular heart rhythms. This specialist may need to conduct additional tests if you are suffering from heart problems that are structural, such as a CT or MRI scan of your chest. These tests can determine whether you've suffered damage to your heart and how severe it is. In some cases, the specialist might suggest a pacemaker or ICD to treat the underlying condition that's the cause of your PVCs.