The Reason Why Adding A Pvc Doctor To Your Life Can Make All The Change
How a VC Can Affect Your Heart
PVCs are commonplace and can be experienced by a wide range of people without causing any issues. However, if they happen frequently, PVCs can weaken your heart muscle and increase the risk of heart failure.
window doctor of your heart is controlled by a group of fibers that are located in the upper right-hand corner of your heart. This is called the sinoatrial nerve, or SA. Electrical signals travel to ventricles, or lower chambers of the heart.
Causes
PVCs are caused when the electrical impulse which normally starts your heartbeat at the Sinus Node (also called the Sinoatrial or SA node) is not initiated. The impulse actually starts in the ventricles and causes an untimed heartbeat. These extra beats are called ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. It could feel as if the heart skipped a beat or feels fluttering. They can occur rarely without causing any symptoms, but they can also happen frequently enough to impact your quality of life. If they occur frequently or cause weakness, dizziness, or fatigue, your doctor may treat them with medication.
PVCs are generally harmless and don't increase your risk of heart disease. In time, frequent PVCs can weaken the heart muscle. This is particularly true if they are caused by a heart-related condition like dilated cardiomyopathy, or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy which could lead to symptoms of heart failure.
PVCs can trigger symptoms such as a feeling of your heart beating one beat, or even fluttering. You might also feel exhausted. The fluttering may be more evident if you exercise, or consume certain foods or beverages. People with chronic anxiety or stress can have more PVCs, and some drugs like amiodarone digoxin, and cocaine may increase the risk of developing them.
If you are experiencing occasional PVCs your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes and medications. If they're a frequent occurrence, you may need to stay clear of certain foods and beverages like caffeine and alcohol. You can also take steps to reduce your stress and get plenty of sleep and exercise.
If you're experiencing many PVCs, he may recommend a medical treatment known as radiofrequency catheter ablation. This destroys cells that cause PVCs. The procedure is carried out by a specialist called an electrophysiologist. It is typically effective in treating PVCs and reducing symptoms, but it doesn't stop them from occurring in the future. In certain cases, it may increase the risk of having atrial fibrillation (AFib), an illness that can result in stroke. It is not common, but it could be life-threatening.
Signs and symptoms
Premature ventricular contractions, also known as PVCs, can make your heart appear to skip or flutter one beat. These extra heartbeats are generally harmless, but you should talk to your doctor if you have frequent episodes or signs like dizziness or weakness.
The normal electrical signals start in the sinoatrial, located in the upper right-hand corner of the heart. They then move to the lower chambers, also known as ventricles, that pump blood. The ventricles contract to push the blood into the lung. They then return to the center to begin the next cycle of pumping. A PVC starts in a different location that is the Purkinje fibres bundle at the bottom left of the heart.
When PVCs occur, the heart may feel like it is beating faster or slower. If you experience only a few episodes, but no other symptoms, your doctor will probably not treat you. If you have a lot of PVCs, your doctor may recommend that you undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the heartbeat over the course of 24 hours. The doctor may also suggest wearing a Holter monitor, which will record your heartbeat over time to determine the number of PVCs you have.
Anyone who has had a previous heart attack or suffer from cardiomyopathy -- a condition that alters the way the heart pumps blood- should take their PVCs seriously and consult a cardiologist about lifestyle changes. This includes cutting down on caffeine, alcohol and smoking, reducing stress and anxiety, as well as getting enough rest. A cardiologist may prescribe medication to slow the heartbeat, like a beta blocker.
Even if there aren't any other signs however, you should have PVCs examined by an cardiologist if they occur often. These heartbeats that are irregular can point to problems with the structure of your heart or to other health conditions, and over time, if they occur often enough, they can weaken the heart muscle. But most people with PVCs don't have any issues. They want to know if the irregular heartbeats or fluttering is normal.
Diagnosis
PVCs can feel like heartbeats that flutter, especially if they are frequent and intense. People who experience a lot of them may feel they're about to faint. Exercise can cause PVCs, but a lot of athletes who suffer from them do not have heart or health issues. PVCs can be detected in tests like an electrocardiogram or Holter monitor. These are sticky patches that have sensors that record electrical impulses coming from your heart. A cardiologist may also perform an echocardiogram, which makes use of ultrasound to examine the heart and see how it's functioning.
A doctor may be able to determine if someone is suffering from PVCs from a patient's history and physical exam. But sometimes they might only be able to detect them when they examine the patient for different reasons, like after an accident or surgery. Ambulatory ECG monitors are able to detect PVCs, as well as other arrhythmias. They can be used to identify cardiac problems if there is any reason to be concerned.
If your cardiologist determines your heart is structurally healthy, reassurance might be all that's needed. However, if your symptoms are causing discomfort or make you feel anxious, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and other decongestants as well as reducing stress levels can aid. Engaging in regular exercise, keeping at a healthy weight and drinking enough fluids can help reduce the frequency of PVCs. If you are experiencing symptoms that are persistent or severe, speak to your doctor about medications that could be able to control them.
Treatment
If PVCs aren't causing symptoms or happen rarely generally, they don't require treatment. If they are frequent your doctor may need to examine for heart problems or suggest lifestyle modifications. You could also have a procedure (called radiofrequency cathode ablation) to get rid them.
If you have PVCs in your heart the electrical signal that triggers your heartbeat starts somewhere different than the sinoatrial (SA) node that is located in the upper right-hand corner of your heart. It can feel like your heart skips beats or has extra beats. PVCs are more prevalent among people who suffer from heart issues, but it's not known the reason behind them. PVCs may increase in frequency as you age, and they might occur more frequently during exercise.
If a patient has frequent and painful PVCs, a physician is required to perform an ECG and an echocardiogram to rule out heart disease that is structural. The doctor will also conduct an exercise stress test to determine if the increased heartbeats are related to physical exercise. A heart catheterization, cardiac MRI or nuclear perfusion study could be conducted to determine other causes of the increased beats.
The majority of people who suffer from PVCs do not experience any issues and can live a normal lifestyle. They can increase your risk for dangerous heart rhythm disorders, especially if they occur in certain patterns. In certain cases, it means that the heart muscle becomes weaker and is unable to pump blood through your body.
A regular, healthy diet and plenty of exercise can reduce the risk of developing PVCs. Avoid foods that are high in sodium and fat as well as limit caffeine and tobacco. Also, you should try to get enough rest and manage stress. Certain medications can increase the risk of getting PVCs. If you take any of these medicines it is essential to follow the advice of your doctor regarding eating a healthy diet and exercising as well as taking your medication.
In studies of patients suffering from PVC burdens that are high (more than 20% of total heartbeats) there was a higher incidence of arrhythmia-induced cardiac myopathy was found. This can result in the need for a heart transplant in some individuals.